Messages from the Chancellor

Vaccine Reporting Deadline

Employee Instructions

State Center Community College District (SCCCD) is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning and working environment for all students and employees by requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition to enter any indoor space on district property, effective October 15, 2021.

Employee Vaccine Reporting

In order to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate passed by the State Center Community College District Board of Trustees that goes into effect on October 15, 2021, employees are required to submit proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status to the District no later than October 8, 2021, to allow us time to administer the verification.

Employees who have requested a religious or medical exemption to the vaccine mandate should report in the portal that they are not vaccinated and state for the reason, "Requested a medical/religious exemption to the vaccine mandate and am waiting to hear on the status of that request".

Employees must report their vaccination status through the COVID-19 Vaccination Submission app in the District portal.

If you have not reported your vaccine status through the portal, you must do so now and upload proof of receipt of the vaccine (copy of vaccine card, vaccine record from your health provider, screen shot of digital vaccine record from the state portal, etc.)

• If you previously self-attested to receiving the vaccine, but did not submit proof of receipt of the vaccine, your record has been reopened and you must submit your proof now
• If you previously reported your vaccine status and submitted proof of receipt of the vaccine, your status in the portal should read "Accepted" and there is nothing more you need to do

Get Vaccinated

Employees who have not yet been vaccinated and intend to do so, have many options for receiving the vaccine:

• Visit the California Department of Public Health My Turn website.
• Visit the CVS, Walgreens or Rite Aid websites and schedule a vaccination
  • RiteAide
  • CVS
  • Walgreens

To learn more about the COVID vaccines, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 website.

Vaccine Mandate

The safety and health of all SCCCD students and employees is our top priority as we strive to ensure the continuous delivery of services to our students and community. In our continued effort to protect our employees, students and the public from COVID-19, especially the highly contagious Delta variant, the Board voted to mandate vaccines for students, employees, contractors, and visitors beginning October 15, 2021.

With this decision comes many details that need to be addressed. The District Office and College Incident Response Teams are currently addressing these details and ask for your patience as we work through the implementation plan. This planning will be done with the broadest consultation, therefore, some aspects, some decisions and some processes will take time to develop.

We are aware that many faculty, staff, students and community partners have specific questions about how the new policy will impact them; the College Presidents are holding forums for employees and students to hear and, when possible, answer those questions; but we hope you understand that not all questions can be answered immediately.

The District is currently working on a webpage for Frequently Asked Questions about the vaccine mandate which will also allow individuals to pose their questions.

Throughout this pandemic we have placed the safety and well-being of students and employees forefront in our decision-making and we will continue to do so even in the policy decisions we will make. With that said, students do not need to rush to enrollment decisions and employees do not need to rush to employment decisions. We will implement the mandate with grace, patience and respect.

Thank you for your compliance with this new requirement. Please stay safe and continue to wear a facial covering indoors, practice physical distancing (staying at least 6-feet away from others), wash your hands frequently throughout the day for at least 20 seconds using soap and water, and avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.

COVID Update

As we begin the fall semester, I want to provide you with an update on COVID-19 and SCCCD safety protocols. Nationally, we have witnessed an increase in the number of cases due to the Delta variant. Although the Delta variant seems to have peaked in some parts of the country, we are seeing an uptick in cases in our region.

The Center for Disease Control has stated that the Delta variant is as contagious as chickenpox and more transmissible than the common cold, the 1918 Spanish flu, smallpox, and SARS. The highest spread of cases is among the unvaccinated. However, research has shown that vaccinated people can transmit the Delta variant, which recently led health officials to recommend wearing facial coverings while indoors. Health officials also state that the COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing serious disease from COVID-19 and the Delta variant.

Although SCCCD is not currently requiring students or employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition to entering District campuses or facilities, we strongly encourage all faculty, staff and students to voluntarily receive one of the COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as possible to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Use the link for details on how to schedule your appointment.

Under current CalOSHA regulations, employers are required to document employee vaccination status. Fully vaccinated employees are asked to self-attest their vaccination status using the COVID Vaccination Submission site. Reporting your vaccination status is strictly confidential and the data is maintained by the Human Resources Department.

The District is adhering to the California Department of Public Health and Center for Disease Control recommendations and requiring that everyone wear facial coverings while inside all SCCCD buildings. Hopefully, requiring both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals to wear a facial covering while indoors is a temporary safety measure to protect public health and we will soon see a reduction in infection rates. You will be notified if and when any COVID-related safety precautions change.

Facial coverings are required for all employees, students and visitors while in all indoor spaces throughout the District, but may be removed if you are alone in an individual office. Facial coverings must comply with CalOSHA requirements and must fully cover the mouth and nose. Acceptable facial coverings include a surgical mask, medical procedure mask, respirator, tightly woven fabric or non-woven fabric of at least two layers. A facial covering does not include a scarf, ski mask, balaclava, bandana, turtle neck, collar, or single layer of fabric.

The District will provide facial coverings to all employees upon request. Respirators will be provided to all employees who are not fully vaccinated and are working indoors or in vehicles with more than one person upon request.

If a facial covering interferes with an employee's ability to perform their work, they should contact their supervisor to discuss exceptions to the policy. If an employee with a medical condition, mental health condition or disability requires an accommodation from the facial covering requirement, they should contact Human Resources.

Students are also required to wear a facial covering in all indoor spaces throughout the District. If a student is not in possession of a facial covering and would like one, they are available free of charge. The college will provide the location where masks are available for students. If a student refuses to wear a mask, it will be treated as a student code of conduct issue and the Division Dean or Dean of Students will be contacted.

If an employee is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, stay home and contact your dean or manager and Human Resources. If students show up for class and are experiencing symptoms they will be sent home and the Dean will be notified.

We will continue to monitor and adhere to public health guidance that is provided to us by the Departments of Public Health in our service areas as well as state and federal mandates. As the COVID-19 continues to evolve, we will continue to inform you of any changes.

Have a safe and healthy fall semester.

Requiring Indoor Facial Coverings

Health officials have found that the Delta Variant is more contagious than the first outbreak of COVID-19. Hospitalization cases are rising across the country, especially among those that remain unvaccinated. Public health officials also state that the COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing serious disease from COVID-19 and the Delta Variant.

Although SCCCD is not currently requiring students or employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition to entering District campuses or facilities, we strongly encourage all faculty, staff and students to voluntarily receive one of the COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as possible to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Here are details on how to schedule your appointment.

Given the increase in transmission rates, State Center Community College District has made a change to our facial covering requirements in order to protect public health and to reduce infection rates. Effective Wednesday, August 4, 2021, the District will adhere to the California Department of Public Health and Center for Disease Control recommendations and require facial coverings while indoor all SCCCD buildings for those that are vaccinated and not vaccinated.

Facial coverings must be worn in common areas indoors, such as hallways, break rooms, restrooms, elevators, and stairwells as well as open area offices and cubicles, conference rooms, and in single person offices when more than one person is present. You are not required to wear a facial covering when you are the sole occupant of a room, such as your office.

The District will continue to monitor the local COVID-19 transmission and hospitalization rates. We will adhere to the public health guidance that is provided to us by the Departments of Public Health in our service areas and state or federal mandates. You will be notified if and when any COVID-related safety precautions change.

Facial Covering Details Update

Please find current information regarding requirements for face coverings below for State Center Community College District faculty, staff, students and visitors.

Students and Visitors:

• Fully vaccinated students and visitors are not required to wear face coverings while indoors or outdoors. In accordance with California Department of Public Health guidance, the District will be relying upon students and visitors to self-attest their vaccination status.
• Unvaccinated students and visitors must continue to wear face coverings while indoors in public settings.
• Unvaccinated students and visitors with a medical condition or disability that prevents them from wearing a face covering are exempt from the face covering requirement. Children under two years old are also exempt.
• Fully vaccinated students and visitors may continue to voluntarily wear face coverings.
• Physical distancing is no longer a requirement.

Employees:

• Under the current CalOSHA regulations, employers are required to document employee vaccination status.
• Fully vaccinated employees who self-attest their vaccination status using the COVID Vaccination Submission site are not required to wear face coverings.
• Employees who decline to self-attest their vaccination status will be treated as being unvaccinated and must continue to wear face coverings while indoors at work.
• If you are a fully vaccinated employee and intend not to wear face coverings while at work, you must complete the form at the COVID Vaccination Submission site. Pursuant to CalOSHA regulations, if you decline to complete the form, you will be considered an unvaccinated employee and will be required to follow face covering requirements for unvaccinated employees.
• Employees who are not fully vaccinated must wear face coverings while indoors or inside vehicles unless (a) they are alone in a room or vehicle, or (b) they are eating or drinking and six feet from others in a properly ventilated area.
• The District will provide face coverings to all employees who are not fully vaccinated, and will provide face coverings to fully vaccinated employees upon request. The District will provide respirators (N95 masks) to all employees who are not fully vaccinated who are working indoors or in vehicles with more than one person, upon request.
• Face coverings must comply with CalOSHA requirements. Face coverings must fully cover the mouth and nose. Acceptable face coverings include a surgical mask, medical procedure mask, a respirator, or a tightly woven fabric or non-woven fabric of at least two layers. A face covering does not include a scarf, ski mask, balaclava, bandana, turtleneck, collar, or single layer of fabric .
• If a face covering interferes with an unvaccinated employee’s ability to perform their work, they should contact their supervisor to discuss exceptions to policy.
• If an unvaccinated employee with a medical or mental health condition or disability requires an accommodation from the face covering requirement, they should contact Human Resources.
• All employees regardless of vaccination status may continue to wear face coverings.
• Physical distancing is no longer a requirement.

The District’s face covering requirements may be amended with updates to the law or public health guidance. This pandemic continues to evolve quickly, so please stay tuned for future updates.

Although SCCCD is not currently requiring students or employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition to entering District campuses or facilities, we strongly encourage all faculty, staff and students to voluntarily receive one of the COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as possible to help prevent the spread of the virus and help normalize our lives. Here are details on how to schedule your appointment. Please note that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is reporting that current authorized vaccines work on all circulating COVID-19 variants, including the Delta Variant.

Face Coverings Details

As you know, there have been recent changes in the requirements for face coverings. Below is more detailed information for State Center Community College District faculty, staff, students and visitors.

Students and Visitors

• Fully vaccinated students and visitors are not required to wear face coverings while indoors or outdoors. In accordance with California Department of Public Health guidance, the District will be relying upon students and visitors to self-attest their vaccination status.
• Unvaccinated students and visitors must continue to wear face coverings while indoors in public settings.
• Unvaccinated students and visitors with a medical condition or disability that prevents them from wearing a face covering are exempt from the face covering requirement. Children under two years old are also exempt.
• Fully vaccinated students and visitors may continue to voluntarily wear face coverings.

Employees

• Under the current CalOSHA regulations, employers are required to document employee vaccination status.
• Fully vaccinated employees who self-attest their vaccination status at the COVID Vaccination Submission site are not required to wear face coverings.
• Employees who decline to self-attest their vaccination status will be treated as being unvaccinated and must continue to wear face coverings while indoors at work.
• If you are a fully vaccinated employee and intend not to wear face coverings while at work, you must complete the form at the COVID Vaccination Submission site. Pursuant to CalOSHA regulations, if you decline to complete the form, you will be considered an unvaccinated employee and will be required to follow face covering requirements for unvaccinated employees.
• Employees who are not fully vaccinated must wear face coverings while indoors or inside vehicles unless (a) they are alone in a room or vehicle, or (b) they are eating or drinking and six feet from others in a properly ventilated area.
• The District will provide face coverings to all employees who are not fully vaccinated, and will provide face coverings to fully vaccinated employees upon request. The District will provide respirators to all employees who are not fully vaccinated who are working indoors or in vehicles with more than one person, upon request.
• Face coverings must comply with CalOSHA requirements. Face coverings must fully cover the mouth and nose. Acceptable face coverings include a surgical mask, medical procedure mask, a respirator, or a tightly woven fabric or non-woven fabric of at least two layers. A face covering does not include a scarf, ski mask, balaclava, bandana, turtleneck, collar, or single layer of fabric.
• If a face covering interferes with an unvaccinated employee’s ability to perform their work, they should contact their supervisor to discuss exceptions to policy.
• If an unvaccinated employee with a medical or mental health condition or disability requires an accommodation from the face covering requirement, they should contact Human Resources.
• All employees regardless of vaccination status may continue to wear face coverings.

The District’s face covering requirements may be amended with updates to the law or public health guidance, or as the situation with COVID-19 evolves.

Although SCCCD is not currently requiring students or employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition to entering District campuses or facilities, we strongly encourage all faculty, staff and students to voluntarily receive one of the COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as possible to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Here are details on how to schedule your appointment. In addition to the health benefits, the state is now providing other incentives for those who get vaccinated eligible for prizes.

Facial Coverings

I am sure you are aware that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued new facial covering guidelines. According to the CDC, vaccinated people no longer need to wear facial coverings indoors or outdoors in most settings. You may be wondering what this means for SCCCD District employees as we begin to transition back to working onsite.

The District is waiting for published guidelines from the California Department of Public Health as well as our local Departments of Public Health. Until these requirements are published we are obliged to keep the existing safety standards in place.

Although SCCCD is not currently requiring students or employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition to entering District campuses or facilities, we strongly encourage all faculty, staff, and students to voluntarily receive one of the COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as possible to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Our top priority is the well-being of SCCCD students, faculty, staff and the communities we serve. Therefore, the District and its Colleges decided on a phased-in approach to bringing employees back to work.

We plan to begin phasing-in managers to work onsite in June and then begin phasing-in classified staff in July. The goal is to have a more normalized onsite setting by August.

Some employees are understandably eager to return to their District and College worksites. All employees are to continue to work with their supervisors in the planning of the phased-in return. Thank you for your ongoing support and patience.

The Newsom administration announced that California would adopt the CDC’s new guidance on June 15th. In the ensuing weeks we anticipate the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to provide updated guidelines on implementing this new policy change. The District will evaluate the new guidelines as they apply to our campuses and facilities and will provide an update as more information becomes available. You may check on the status of the pending CDPH guidelines at the following website: CDPH Guidelines

We will continue to provide you with updates as new information becomes available. Please stay safe and in good health!

Back to Work

On behalf of the SCCCD Board, with humility and pride, I thank all of you for your success in making the transition to working remotely. I congratulate you for your work over this challenging year. Despite having lower enrollments, we saw a greater number of degrees and certificates earned. The data is clear, you put students first and kept student success at the forefront. You are to be applauded.

I am sure you are aware that the rate of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations has steadily come down in our area. It is now time to transition back to working onsite.

Our top priority is the well-being of SCCCD students, faculty, staff and the communities we serve. Therefore, the District and its Colleges decided on a phased-in approach to bringing employees back to work.

We plan to begin phasing-in managers to work onsite in June and then begin phasing-in classified staff in July. The goal is to have a more normalized onsite setting by August.

Some employees are understandably eager to return to their District and College worksites. All employees are to continue to work with their supervisors in the planning of the phased-in return. Thank you for your ongoing support and patience.

As we transition back to working onsite, we are mindful of the concerns some employees may have for their health and safety. Employees who have childcare or health concerns should coordinate with their supervisors for flexible work schedules or contact Human Resources for information about possible accommodations or leave options.

Although SCCCD is not currently requiring students or employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition to entering District campuses or facilities, we strongly encourage all faculty, staff, and students to voluntarily receive one of the COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as possible to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and possible variants.

There has never been a better time to get your COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines are now widely distributed throughout our Central Valley Region. Reedley College and Fresno City College continue to host vaccine centers and Madera and Clovis will have vaccine clinics too. Vaccines are readily available, and now, all Californians age 12 and up are eligible to receive their free vaccine.

On May 13th the CDC issued new guidance on facial coverings that permits a fully vaccinated individual to participate in many indoor and outdoor activities without a facial covering. And, on May 17th the Newsom administration announced that California would adopt the CDC’s new guidance on June 15th. In the ensuing weeks we anticipate the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to provide updated guidelines on implementing this new policy change. The District will evaluate the new guidelines as they apply to our campuses and facilities and will provide an update as more information becomes available. You may check on the status of the pending CDPH guidelines at the following website:

CDC Covid 19

Until further notice, facial coverings will continue to be required to enter all District facilities due to the changes coming from the state. Facial coverings are required for those who work in shared spaces and those performing work in which they encounter the general public. The face coverings must also be worn in common areas indoors, such as hallways, elevators and stairwells. You are not required to wear a facial covering when you are the sole occupant of a room, such as your office.

CDC and County Public Health Department recommendations must still be followed.

As a reminder, please continue to exercise universal precautions:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Frequently disinfect high-touch surfaces such as door knobs, counters, and handles.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or in your sleeve.
• Wear a facial covering when in public.
• If you are feeling ill or you are sick with a respiratory illness, stay home.

We are grateful to the Colleges’ planning teams for their careful consideration and planning efforts for the safe return of programs and services. We support your efforts to plan together with public health officials to ensure the needs of students are met while maintaining precautionary protocols.

We will continue to provide you with updates as new information becomes available. Please stay safe and in good health!

Remote Work and Return to Work

Many of State Center Community College District employees will continue to work remotely through July 4, 2021. Spring and summer classes will continue to be primarily taught online with some courses and programs that require interaction offered face-to-face. Supportive services will continue to be offered on site with hopes of expansion as the health indicators permit. Working with local Public Health officials and the California Community College Athletic Association, the decision has been made to bring back some spring sports, so certain employees will be required to return on-site prior to July 4, 2021.

Our number one priority remains the safety of our students, faculty and classified professionals as well as the communities that we serve. We look forward to the day that it is safe for us to offer an appropriate balance of face-to-face and online classes. As courses and programs are phased back for on campus activity, staff duties at the colleges and district office will also return to support our students.

We will continue to follow the science as we plan for the safe return of programs and services. For those classes and services meeting face-to-face, we will continue to practice social distancing, wearing of facial coverings, and practicing proper hygiene.

The District leadership acknowledges and is grateful to the college’s planning teams for the careful consideration and planning efforts for the safe return of programs and services. We support your efforts to plan together with public health officials to ensure the needs of students are met while maintaining precautionary protocols. We look forward to the time when we will be able to gather in person. Until then, have a great semester and please continue to stay safe.

Covid-19 Vaccine Update

Although the District is not currently requiring students or employees to be vaccinated against Covid-19 as a condition to entering District campuses or facilities, the District strongly encourages all faculty, staff, and students to voluntarily receive one of the Covid-19 vaccinations as soon as possible to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.

There has never been a better time to get your Covid-19 vaccine. Vaccines are now widely distributed throughout our Central Valley Region, are readily available, and now, as of April 15th, all Californians age 16 and up are eligible to receive their vaccine.

Getting your vaccine is easy. Simply schedule an appointment on MyTurn.gov, go to a drive through clinic at Fresno City College, or schedule your appointment at one of the several Federal pharmacy vaccine partners such as such as Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens, and Save Mart. For more information go to the website at myturn.ca.gov or call (833) 422-4255.

More information about COVID-19 Vaccines may be found on the Fresno and Madera County Department of Public Health websites.

The Central Valley’s COVID-19 infection rates continue to improve along with the rest of the state. This has enabled us to open more of our economy and has given our District more flexibility in offering our students more in-person educational opportunities. Let’s keep this going!

Covid-19 Update

As COVID-19 infection rates continue to rise in the Central Valley and throughout the nation, we as a District, must collectively do our part to disrupt and slow the transmission of the novel coronavirus in order to protect our students, our employees, and the community at large.

As we reported back in August, spring 2021 classes will primarily be taught online with a few limited courses that require face-to-face interaction. Many of the on-ground, career-technical classes that have been offered onsite during the Fall semester will continue, as safety permits. The percentage or number of courses offered via face to face will be determined locally by each College President, in consultation with program staff and faculty, as well as public health officials.

SCCCD positions (campus and District Office) that can effectively be performed remotely will continue to do so through the duration of the spring 2021 semester. However, with some classes and activities returning to face-to-face, it will require some staff, faculty, and administrators currently working from home to return to work onsite, as needed. Employees who will be required to return to work will be notified by their managers. Employees continuing to work from home should limit visits to their office or work area as much as possible, and will need pre-approval from their manager to be onsite. Approvals will be provided to those performing an essential task or function. Work with your supervisor for specific coordination.

COVID-19 Safety Measures

• Employees should not report to work outside of their homes if they have COVID-19 symptoms and should obtain a COVID-19 test as soon as possible.
• All employees who work outside of their homes should immediately report to their supervisor if they have tested positive for COVID-19, have COVID-19 symptoms, possibly been exposed to COVID-19, and suspect possible COVID-19 hazards in the workplace.
• Employees with COVID-19 exposure* will be excluded from the workplace for 14 days after the last known exposure.
• All employees who have been exposed to COVID-19 in the workplace are entitled to testing at no cost to the employee during work hours.
• Employees who have COVID-19 will be excluded from the workplace until they have satisfied return to work criteria.
• Employees who have been excluded from the workplace should contact Human Resources regarding potential leave benefits and rights.
• Employees with medical or other conditions placing them at an increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness should contact Human Resources to explore potential accommodation options.
• All employees working outside of their home should remain at least six feet apart from all other persons. If it is not possible to maintain six feet distancing, employees should remain as far apart as possible.
• The District will provide face coverings to employees. Face coverings must be worn when indoors, when outdoors and less than six feet from another person, and as otherwise required by public health orders. Face shields are not a replacement for face coverings, but they may be worn for additional protection. Exceptions to the face covering requirement include:
  • When an employee is alone in a room
  • While eating and drinking in the workplace as long as employees are six feet apart and outside air supply to the indoor area has been maximized to the extent possible
  • Employees wearing authorized respiratory protection
  • Employees who cannot wear face coverings because of a medical or mental health condition or disability. However, unless prohibited for medical reasons, employees should wear alternative coverings such as a face shield with a drape around the bottom.
  • While performing tasks that are not feasible to perform with a face covering if at least six feet apart from all other person
• All non-employees on District property must comply with the face covering requirements.

* COVID-19 exposure means being within six feet of a person who has COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or greater in any 24-hour period while the person is infectious.

Please continue to exercise universal precautions:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and frequently use hand sanitizer when a sink is not available. Hand sanitizer does not work when hands are soiled.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Frequently disinfect high-touch surfaces such as door knobs, counters, and handles.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or in your sleeve.
• Do not go out in public or to work if you are sick with a respiratory illness.

The District remains in constant contact with local public health officials for guidance and changes, so please check the District or College COVID websites for updates or contact your manager if you have any questions.

Thank you for your continued dedication to serving our students and our community during these challenging times. As part of State Center Community College District, we all play an important role in supporting the educational and economic growth of our community.

For additional information please read the District Safe Campus Reopening Workgroup document.

* SCCCD has adopted the CCCCO Report on Safe Campus Reopening with modifications as indicated in the link to the document.

Emergency Order Protective Facial Covering Guidance

As the Chancellor of State Center Community College District (SCCCD), overseeing Clovis Community College, Fresno City College, Reedley College, Madera Community College Center, Oakhurst Community College Center, and the Career and Technology Center, and by the powers vested in me by SCCCD Board Resolution No. 2020.06, dated 3-13-2020, I hereby issue the following orders, to be effective immediately and shall remain in effect until rescinded or until the termination of all national, state, or local emergency declarations related to COVID-19:

1. This Emergency Order is made to provide consistency with our continued effort to protect our employees, students, and the public from COVID-19, and in accordance with City of Fresno Emergency Order 2020-17, Section 10, which mandates employers and government agencies to require protective facial coverings for employees and visitors/customers.
2. The safety and health of all SCCCD students and employees is our top priority as we strive to ensure the continuous delivery of services to our students and community.
3. SCCCD Employees.

   All SCCCD employees are required to wear protective facial coverings under the following circumstances:

   1. When in SCCCD owned or operated buildings and facilities, including:
      1. Common areas, including but not limited to classrooms, entries, lobbies, conference rooms, kitchenettes/break rooms, restrooms, hallways, stairwells, elevators, public counters, and
      2. In cubicle or offices where others are present and physical distancing cannot be maintained by barriers or six foot spacing.
   2. When in SCCCD owned or operated vehicles, when two or more individuals are present.
   3. When in any outdoor space and a six-foot distance between other individuals may not be
   4. When in any non-SCCCD owned indoor space, during official SCCCD business.

4. Student, Visitors, and Employees to SCCCD Facilities.

   Students, visitors, and employees to SCCCD facilities, including classrooms, must wear protective facial coverings in order to enter the facility. Individuals without facial coverings will be denied entry to the facility. SCCCD/college/campus employees may make protective facial coverings available to students, visitors, and without one, if/when available at designated locations, such as a bookstore or public counter. Students, visitors, and employees participating in outdoor shared recreation activities are required to follow the posted guidance regarding the use of protective facial coverings.
5. Exemptions.
    
   1. For the purposes of this Order, individuals with a medical condition that would be exacerbated by the wearing of a protective facial covering are categorically exempt.
   2. For purposes of this Order, public safety personnel are exempt from the protective facial covering requirement when it would hinder their ability to safely and effectively perform the functions of their assigned duties.
   3. For purposes of this Order, when impractical or unsafe to wear a facial covering, an exemption will be made on a case-by-case basis.
6. This Order shall be subject to amendment or repeal at any time and shall not be deemed to confer any contractual obligations, property rights, or assume any SCCCD liability.
7. If any provision of this Order or its application to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid, then the remainder of the Order, including the application of such part or provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, the provisions of this Order are severable.
8. Any employee or student who violates this Order may be subject to disciplinary action.

It is so ordered.

Dr. Paul Parnell
Chancellor

Chancellor's Update on District Efforts

State Center Community College District is committed to assisting in the slowing of the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for all of you who are continuing to work from home. As you know, there are a few individuals who are allowed to come into the office, i.e. our Police Department, payroll, technology, maintenance, etc.

On Thursday, March 26, 2020, the County of Fresno Department of Public Health placed an Order in place that states:

All Employers shall:

On a daily basis, while conducting business, screen all employees for febrile respiratory illness.

Febrile respiratory Illness is defined as “A new or worsening episode of either cough or shortness of breath, presenting with fever (temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher) or chills in the previous 24 hours."

Violation of or failure to comply with this Order is punishable by fine, imprisonment or both under various criminal statutes.

Given this new order, SCCCD is requiring anyone who will be working for the District outside of their residence to comply with this order by

1. Taking their temperature to make sure that it is not 100.4 degrees or higher
2. Not have a cough or shortness of breath
3. Not have had chills in the previous 24 hours

If an employee has a cough or shortness of breath with a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher or chills, they are prohibited from working at any location other than their residence for 7 days from the onset of symptoms. Upon arrival at a work site other than an employee's residence, the employee must report to his or her supervisor that they have self-screened that day and are symptom free, and that they have not had any of the symptoms during the prior 7 days. If an employee has not self-screened, the employee must return home or obtain a screening from their supervisor. If an employee has had symptoms (cough or shortness of breath with a fever or chills), the employee may report to a work site other than their residence after 7 days following the onset of symptoms, subject to clearance from their Vice President.

Co-workers of that individual who have had close contact of more than 15 minutes at a distance closer than six feet, must self-isolate for 14 days.

Thank you for your patience during this crisis. It is important for us to adhere to the intent of the Fresno County Department of Public Health which is to self-monitor, self-report, and stay home if you have any of the above symptoms. Also, please continue to adhere to the CDC recommendations of washing your hands with soap and water and social distancing.

Paul Parnell
Chancellor
State Center Community College District

Again, I want to thank all our faculty, staff and managers who are doing so much to support our students during these challenging times. Information is coming to us quickly and changes are being made to state and federal regulations on a nearly daily basis.

As most of our employees are working remotely, and to ensure that everyone is getting the information that we share, I thought this would be a good time to remind everyone that our official form of communication throughout the Colleges and the District is our College/District email system. Please ensure you are checking your email regularly.

All faculty and students should be using Canvas, which is our standard learning management system for all online courses, with the exception of our dual enrollment courses.

We will continue to share information as this situation evolves.

Paul Parnell
Chancellor
State Center Community College District