FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Melissa Utsuki
Executive Director of Communications and External Relations
626-914-8872
mutsuki@citruscollege.edu
Citrus College to require proof of vaccinations or weekly COVID-19 testing for students and employees
Glendora, Calif. (Sept. 9, 2021) – Citrus College students and employees will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing in order to be on campus.
The college's board of trustees approved the requirement on Sept. 7 in an effort to protect the community and minimize the potential spread of COVID-19. It applies to all district buildings and facilities, including classrooms, offices, libraries, gymnasiums and other indoor settings.
By Nov. 1, employees and students enrolled in fall on-campus classes must either provide proof of vaccination or agree to regular testing and produce proof of negative results. For students enrolled in winter or spring on-campus classes, the requirement will be in effect no later than Jan. 3, 2022.
The latest safety measures follow a number of practices already in place, including daily self-assessments for COVID-19-related symptoms and location check-ins on the CitrusMobile app for students and employees who are on campus; mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing; and the wearing of masks when inside any college building.
"At Citrus College, it is our duty and responsibility to provide our students, faculty and staff with a safe learning and working environment," said Dr. Greg Schulz, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "By embracing these measures with a focus on safety and equity, we can do our part in the fight against COVID-19."
How COVID-19 safety measures work
Before a student or employee arrives to campus, they are required to complete a health screening on the CitrusMobile app (www.citruscollege.edu/tecs/Pages/SafeReturn.aspx).
Located on the app's home screen, the "Daily Pre-Screening" feature asks users a series of health-related questions. When the answers indicate that a user is healthy, they will be given a green "You are clear!" pass. Users who do not receive a green pass may not come to campus.
Upon arrival, students and employees are also required to scan a QR code to check in before entering a campus building. Users do so by tapping the icon in the upper left corner of the app and scanning the QR code located at the entrance. Members of the public who would like to enter buildings will also have to scan a QR code at building entrances and fill out an online health screening form. By checking in, the college will be able to effectively contact trace potential positive COVID-19 cases.
While inside campus buildings, individuals are required to wear a mask that completely covers their nose and mouth and rests securely under their chin.
Weekly rapid COVID-19 tests, which are provided at no cost, are also mandatory. Employee tests began in early September and student tests will be required beginning Sept. 13.
"As more students and employees return to campus, we must remain vigilant and continue prioritizing the safety of students, faculty and staff," said Dr. Patricia A. Rasmussen, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "Requiring a vaccination or negative test to enter campus facilities shows that Citrus College is willing to do what it takes to stop the spread of COVID-19. On behalf of the board, I would like to thank the campus community for following our comprehensive health measures."
Services available for online students
The college's COVID-19 safety measures are only for students and employees who will be on campus during the fall semester. Students taking solely remote courses are not required to be tested or use the app to complete a daily screening or check in.
Remote students have access to a handful of resources, which are outlined on the college's website at www.citruscollege.edu/remotelearning. For example, the Owl Success Hub offers tips on computer-based learning, studying in the home environment, and managing health and wellness.
For additional COVID-19 information as it relates to Citrus College, visit the college's COVID-19 webpage at www.citruscollege.edu/covid19.
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