Posted May 1, 2022
Dear Campus Community:
As COVID-19 transitions to an endemic and the omicron surge rapidly declines, Lee College is adjusting its approach to this next phase of the virus in our community.
Today's COVID environment is different from the one we faced two years ago. Most people are now vaccinated, many are boosted, and others have gained some immunity through having been infected.
In response, Lee College will begin treating COVID as we do other contagious illnesses, such as the flu, so that we can move toward an environment that treats COVID as a present-day virus, one that rises and falls in the number of cases. This means we at Lee College must continually monitor our environment and change along with it. Beginning May 9,2022, employees and students will no longer be required to self-report COVID-related illness, exposure or positive testing to Human Resources and Student Affairs. In addition, HR and Student Affairs will not require employees and students to follow college-wide isolation and/or quarantine directives. As with any contagious illness, employees and students are encouraged to follow the instructions provided by their healthcare provider and adhere to their department's/instructor's procedures for reporting illness/missing class.
These changes have the support of the Lee College Safety Committee and Administration, and they are similar to approaches taken by other colleges and universities around the country.
As these changes occur, individual actions and responsibilities will become even more important. As we have said previously, we urge everyone to get vaccinated and boosted. Wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing your hands frequently is determined by each individual and their medical situation.
Also, should the need arise, we are prepared to reinstate whatever measures are deemed medically prudent to address the situation.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we all work together to navigate this next phase of the virus in our community thoughtfully and pragmatically.
Health and Wellness
Vaccinations
Facilities
Maintenance will provide COVID supplies (e.g., hand sanitizer, paper towels, and disinfectant spray) until the current supply runs out. However, the college will continue to restock the public hand sanitizers in hallways and common areas for everyone to continue using.
Best,
Dr. Lynda Villanueva
President, Lee College