With spring classes just days from starting, Allen Community College is adjusting its COVID-19 protocols.
Cynthia Jacobson, vice president for student affairs, told ACC trustees Tuesday the college is shortening the time for isolation or quarantine periods if a student or college employee were to test positive for the coronavirus.
If somebody tests positive for the virus, they must isolate for five days, down from 10, provided they have no symptoms, or the symptoms are resolving.
The new guidelines mirror the updated recommendations by the Centers For Disease Control, Jacobson noted.
Anyone who has been exposed to the virus can stay on campus if they have been vaccinated with a booster, and (if possible) submit to a COVID test on the fifth day.
Exposure, without proof of vaccination, means staying home for five days, Jacobson said.
The college will host a vaccination clinic on Jan. 27 for students and staff. The clinic will offer first or second shots or boosters, Jacobson said.
She encouraged anyone wishing to take part to notify her beforehand, so organizers can ensure sufficient vaccine supplies are provided.
The college will continue to mandate masks for anyone inside campus buildings, Jacobson noted.
With the federal government no longer funding PCR tests, the college has acquired 200 “rapid” rests, similar to what area school districts offer, Jacobson said.
Classes will begin next Tuesday, with students slated to return to the campus dorms on Monday. (Athletes already are on campus following the winter break).
The Allen Student Senate has a number of activities planned in the coming weeks, noted Kyla McLaughlin, Student Senate president.
A Red Cross blood drive is set for Jan. 31, with donors entered into a drawing for a chance to win Super Bowl tickets. Homecoming is set for Feb. 12.
PHIL JARRED’S visit with trustees was an eventful one, and it had nothing to do with Tuesday’s audit report he delivered.
Jarred, with the accounting firm of Jarred, Gilmore and Phillips P.A., was concluding his audit report — no major issues were found — when he was notified that his car had been hit by a student in the parking lot during the meeting.
