California Ends COVID-19 State of Emergency

Mar 21, 2023 —

On February 28, 2023, and after nearly three years, Governor Gavin Newsom ended the COVID-19 State of Emergency. We can all take a collective sigh of relief as we transition to a new era of the global pandemic! At this time, it is useful to remember the relief and support that the State of Emergency provided to the State, community, and District. It is also important to be reminded of those items that we must continue to do to comply with various laws and regulations that will remain in place for the next year or so.

The State of Emergency framework resulted in:

81 million vaccines administered
The prevention of countless thousands of deaths and hospitalizations
A billion units of PPE and 186 million tests distributed
Billions of dollars in stimulus to support frontline workers, hospitals, and schools
40 billion dollars in stimulus – rent relief, direct payments, and business grants and tax relief

The lifting of the State of Emergency will wind down these programs and is a direct recognition of the progress we have made as a state and as a community in combating COVID-19. While these programs are parting, other programs remain in place and include:

Continued contact tracing for employees.
Adherence to COVID Quarantine and Isolation Procedures
Continued Cal-OSHA COVID-19 regulations
Continued mask wearing in certain settings such as healthcare and long-term care and adult senior care

Continued Requirements for COVID reporting for Employees

Please remember that COVID reporting procedures are still required under state laws and regulations and remain fully in place for employees until January 1, 2024. The links below will provide you with the proper procedures:

Free COVID-19 Testing

Effective until March 31, 2023

All employees and students who wish to make use of the free onsite testing option may visit one of the vending machines, which are located on each college campus and the district office at:

Fresno City College – Cafeteria/Student Activities entrance
Clovis Community College – Academic Center 1/Main entrance
Reedley College – Student Center/Main entrance
Madera Community College – Administration Building/SE entrance
Oakhurst CC Center – Room OC6
District Office – 6^th Floor/Outside Environmental Health & Safety Office

At each vending machine location, you will find instructions on how to use the machine, receive and register your test, and submit your test. Your test kit must be registered to receive your results. You will need a smart phone or mobile device to scan the QR code and log into your PNC account to use the vending machine. Please be sure to watch THIS VIDEO for more detailed instructions. Here are additional Vending Machine Instructions.

Very important: Tests can only be submitted between the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday – Wednesday, and 8:00 am to noon on Thursday. This ensures that the samples reach the laboratory for analysis within 56 hours of sample collection.

Test results will still be available the same way as they are now through the Point and Click (PNC) system. Remember, you cannot eat or drink anything, smoke, floss, use mouthwash, brush your teeth, or chew gum within 60 minutes prior to taking the test. Those who are symptomatic are encouraged to test elsewhere and not come on site.

Effective April 1, 2023

The COVID-19 test vending machines will be discontinued. However, free self-administered, take-home COVID-19 test kits are available to employees at the following locations:

Fresno City College – Student Health Services Office
Clovis Community College – Student Health Services Office
Reedley College – Student Health Services Office
Madera Community College – Vice President of Administrative Services Office
District Office – 7^th Floor Human Resources Office

We appreciate all you have done to help keep our campuses and communities safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Dr. Carole Goldsmith

Chancellor