COVID-19

Email to MC employees and students regarding vaccine timelines and contact tracing clarifications.

This went out to MC employees and students clarifying contact tracing misconceptions and vaccine timelines ahead of the 10/15/21 vaccine requirement deadline.

Uploading proof of Covid-19 Vaccination

Uploading proof of Covid-19 vaccination.

Uploading Covid-19 Test Results

Uploading Covid-19 test results.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement FAQ

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions.

CDC

Here is a link to the CDC website that clarifies misconceptions about Covid-19 vaccines.

Fact_ccinated videos

Below, find the links to short, helpful videos explaining the science behind each question.

What is herd immunity, and how does it help fight COVID-19?

Exemption Forms

Employee Vaccine Exemption Forms

Religious waiver submission address: mcdivision128@vcccd.edu

Student Vaccine Exemption Forms

What are the three reasons for medical exception?

Allergy to Covid-19 vaccine components
Current Covid-19 infection (must wait until 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks) post onset of symptoms or positive Covid-19 test)
Anaphylactic reaction to prior Covid-19 vaccine

What if a student starts the Fall 2021 semester with no intention of getting vaccinated? How will transfer to classes of other formats be handled? What if there are no alternatives (as for lab classes or clinical courses)?

Contact Tracing

What is being tracked when I use the MyVCCCD app?

We selected the ReadyEducation Contact Trace product because privacy and security were at the forefront of its development. This app is used to self-assess our health and track those with symptoms or exposures. When users check in at various locations it allows us to contact them if there was a possible exposure. Other than that there is no tracking. The app also lets our Health and Human Resource professionals verify vaccination status and Covid-19 test results.

How does contact tracing work?

There are multiple components of contact tracing, all there to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and keep our college community safe. Only three medical personnel on our campus, bound by HIPAA regulations, have access to the contact tracing data. These are the elements of contact tracing.

Downloading and using the MyVCCCD app and completing the Dailing Screening Form. This allows us to know if you have been on campus, if you are reporting symptoms and/or contact.
Checking into QR codes when entering campus through check-in stations and into each space on campus. In the event that you were in the same space as someone with Covid-19, we can contact you and determine your level of exposure.
Giving your contact number so we can easily call you and determine the risk of contact and whether quarantining is required. This step allows us to quickly and easily contact you in the event that you are exposed.
Uploading Covid-19 test results. This step can help us to determine the length, if any of your quarantine and the spread of Covid-19 in the case of exposure.

Uploading proof of vaccine. This step allows us to quickly determine the seriousness of the spread and helps us know if you need to be quarantined or not.
QUICKLY responding to our calls/emails so we can clear you or offer advice in the event that you are exposed or experiencing symptoms.

Uploading

Here are instructions for uploading my proof of vaccination.

COVID and the Classroom

What if one of my students learns they have Covid-19?

PLEASE ask them to upload their Covid-19 test results in the MyVCCCD app under the “Report Test Results” tile. This action will start the contact tracing activities. You can also email us so we can start a case and follow-up with the student. This step can decrease our response time.

If one of my students learns they have Covid-19, will I be notified?

Yes, if you/the class were determined to be in contact with the student. This is why it is so important to check-in using the QR codes. We can quickly determine who needs to know what when.

If a student tells the faculty member that they are experiencing symptoms they fear are COVID and are awaiting COVID test results, what is the responsibility of the faculty member (beyond telling the student to include that information in the app)? Would a teacher ever have the right or obligation to inform a class that someone in the class may have been exposed to COVID?

No. Leave that to the SHC.

Is it ever okay for a faculty member to ask a student about his/her vaccination status?

If it’s necessary for the program, like Nursing. What they DO need to do is check for a wristband and make sure students are masked. That is the very most important thing they should do.

It seems like our rules are inconsistent with the CDC recommendations. Why is that?

The CDC makes general recommendations but allows for states and local governments and public health departments to make recommendations appropriate for their specific regions. Some of the reasons for differences include population density, current spread of disease, vaccination level, and local politics, to name a few. Ventura County and LA County tend to use stricter guidelines than other counties in California because of these reasons and others as they emerge. Because MC is in Ventura County, we must abide by the rules and guidelines set by Ventura County Public Health.

Mask Exceptions

There are two masking exceptions

· Quadriplegia (preventing a person from being able to remove their mask if necessary)

· Mental incapacity, rendering someone unable to remove their mask because they are unable to understand the need to do so

Dual Enrollment and High Schools on Campus

The recently passed BP and AP requiring vaccination applies to all employees and students who will be on-site. High school students would need to be vaccinated to be on-site after October 15th. Those who have an approved medical or religious exemption could be accommodated and demonstrate weekly negative COVID-19 test results.

Protocols for classes taught at High School Campus not on District property

These instructors and students will follow the protocols of the campus on which the class is taught.

Mask Requirements

Do faculty have to wear face masks when teaching indoor?

A face shield or plexiglass barrier with social distancing would be an acceptable option in place of a face mask when instructors are teaching if they have submitted verification of COVID-19 vaccination.

Are service or delivery personnel as well as vendors contracted with the college or District required to wear face coverings or masks?

Everyone currently needs to wear masks on-site. The preference is for service people to be vaccinated, but if not, they need to wear masks and provide weekly negative COVID-19 tests. Many service people may only be on campus temporarily and are isolated on work sites within the campus.

Do the audiences/spectators/ zoo visitors at campus events need to wear a mask?

Currently, it would seem appropriate for all fans to wear masks and distance themselves from other family/friend groups. Each college will define protocols or procedures for their different athletic venues and be ready for changes depending upon pandemic conditions.