Jefferson College: COVID Operations Update - Masks On Campus

Press release from Jefferson College:

2021-08-10

Jefferson College is committed to protecting the health and well-being of our campus community. We’re continually working to monitor the coronavirus pandemic as we move forward in providing a quality academic experience and support for everyone on campus.

As we approach the start of the fall semester, facing a marked increase in the number of positive COVID cases associated with the Delta variant coupled with the low rate of vaccination in Jefferson County, effective August 11, all students, employees, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear a mask in classrooms and meeting spaces where physical distancing at a minimum of six (6) feet is not possible. 

The primary purpose of the updated mask protocol is to ensure continuity of instruction. As has been our practice from the inception of the pandemic, the Cabinet will continue to be proactive in developing health and safety plans and communicating them as necessary. This new protocol will be discussed and reevaluated by October 11, near the start of second 8-week classes.

Individuals are expected to provide their own face coverings; however, there are disposable masks available in self-serve health stations located at most building entrances. Masks should be cloth or disposable and fully cover the nose and mouth. Face shields, bandanas, and single layer gaiters are not acceptable.

Quarantine and Contact Tracing

Based upon guidance issued by the Jefferson County Health Department and CDC, the College will continue to use contact tracing and quarantine protocols as follows:

Any student or employee who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, has tested positive for COVID-19, is residing with an individual who tested positive or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or is a close contact of an individual who tested positive or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should notify the College.

Who should I contact if I have COVID-19 symptoms?

Students and employees are requested to complete the COVID reporting form available on Jefferson College’s website. A contact tracer will follow up to obtain additional information on each report. Contact tracers are as follows:

Student Contact Tracer - Tina Robinson, covid19@jeffco.edu, 636-481-3249Employee Contact Tracer - Debbie Fink, dfink@jeffco.edu, 636-481-3134ATS Student Contact Tracer - Cheryl Sodomka, csodomka@jeffco.edu, 636-481-3478

What if I have been fully vaccinated?

Per the CDC, in general, people are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.

In accordance with CDC guidance, people who are fully vaccinated do NOT need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19 unless they have symptoms. However, fully vaccinated people should get tested 3-5 days after their exposure, even if they don’t have symptoms and wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until their test result is negative. In order to avoid quarantine, students and employees will be required to provide proof of vaccination status (COVID-19 Record Vaccination Card) to the appropriate contact tracer. Also, individuals who have tested positive in the last three months and are not experiencing any symptoms are not required to quarantine.

If individuals do not meet these criteria, they will be required to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.

What if I am wearing a mask and am identified as a close contact in the classroom setting?

In accordance with Jefferson County Health Department recommendations, the College has adopted the Missouri School Reopening and Operating School Guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services for determining a close contact in a classroom setting. If students or employees were exposed in a classroom setting with a mandatory mask mandate, and appropriate masks were being worn correctly by both individuals during the time of exposure in the school setting, the individual who was in contact with the person with COVID-19 can continue to attend school. Those exposed individuals should self-monitor for symptoms and should also stay home from school at the first sign they do not feel well. Individuals who were exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID-19 while at school should continue wearing their mask at all times to further reduce the likelihood of transmitting the virus, and they should continue to quarantine at home for 14 days when not at school. Students are not allowed to participate in extracurricular activities, including athletics, for 14 days regardless of whether the exposure was in the school setting or in the community. The person who tests positive for COVID-19 is still required to isolate at home.

This press release was produced by Jefferson College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.