Jefferson College officials reinstituted a mask mandate for places on its campuses where social distancing cannot occur, effective today (Aug. 11).
The college issued a COVID-19 operations update Tuesday (Aug. 10) stating that in response to the spread of the disease’s Delta variant and the low rate of COVID vaccinations in Jefferson County, “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 6 feet is not possible.”
Jefferson College President Dena McCaffrey said she brought back a mask mandate after consulting with the college’s Board of Trustees.
“I did consult with the board,” McCaffrey said. “They said they were supportive and to just continue to do what is necessary to keep the college open and the students in classes.”
The update states that individuals are expected to provide their own face coverings, but disposable masks are available at self-serve health stations located in most of the college’s building entrances.
Masks should be cloth or disposable and fully cover the nose and mouth. Face shields, bandanas and single-layer gaiters do not meet the requirement.
The update states that failure to comply will result in disciplinary action, as well as required quarantine and missed class time.
Students who require Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, resources or other considerations should contact the college’s Disability Support Services coordinator to discuss options under the college’s face mask accommodation policy.
Employees who require ADA accommodations should contact the human resources specialist, according to the update.
“We continue to follow recommendations of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and Jefferson County Health Department and their guidelines indicating this is the best solution to keep our campus open,” McCaffrey said.
She said the Jefferson County Health Department’s color system for reporting COVID date is one of many factors considered when college officials determine if a mask mandate or other steps are needed to protect the college community’s health.
“We use about 12 different factors,” McCaffrey said. “The (color rating) is one of the factors. We also look at the number of students and employees with positive coronavirus tests and the numbers in quarantine. Another factor is what the numbers are for COVID in the region and around the state.”
Fall classes begin Aug. 23.
