New shelter in place order
The new shelter in place order was issued and took effect on Monday, Jan. 25. You can find the details of the order at https://covid-19.acgov.org/sip.page. This order returns us to the color tier system and places Alameda County in the purple tier. Life West, along with the rest of higher education, was already operating under the parameters laid out in purple, so this means there will be no change to college operations under the new order. Once the county moves to red, the task force will reassess operations under the parameters of the new color tier.
The vaccine
To take a statement from President Biden’s inaugural address, “few people in our nation’s history have been more challenged or found a time more challenging or difficult than the time we’re in now.” The issues of COVID-19 have placed upon us a great level of stress and concern for not only the health of ourselves but also the health of others. The college recognizes that these are trying times for all and that people are looking for anything that allows for a return to normalcy. A component of that concern is the rollout of the current COVID-19 vaccine.
At this time, the State of California and Alameda County are not requiring the vaccine to be made mandatory for the 1B category, which includes education. Life West has a policy regarding vaccination on page 40 of the current Student Handbook and Catalog. This policy is one of choice for the individual and supports informed decision-making. Life West has no plans to invoke a mandatory vaccination policy for COVID-19.
The college will also not be offering vaccines on campus at our Health Center, nor are we legally capable of administering vaccines. If employees or students wish to be vaccinated, they will need to seek vaccination through their health care provider or other resources provided by the county.
In the coming year, we urge our Life West community to face our current COVID-19 health crisis in unity. We can all agree the most important thing is for everyone to stay healthy and safe. Please continue to follow the safety protocols that have been put into place through the guidance of the state, county, and CDC. Continue to follow the suggestions of the task force communication to remain healthy by staying free of subluxation (get checked), hydrate frequently, maintain high levels of vitamin D12, vitamin C, and Zinc, and continue to think positive thoughts.
The Taskforce continues to also recommend meditation or performing outdoor exercise as weather permits as something to not only keep us healthy but also give our minds a break from the same old four walls of our homes, offices, apartments, etc. Finally, please remember that we are all united in this effort and will see it through together.
Screening
It is time to update your Staff/Faculty Health Screening Questionnaire! To protect staff, faculty, students, and patients, all Life West employees will need to update their Health Screening Questionnaire by February 1, 2021. There are no exceptions.
Screening is intended to provide an additional safeguard for decreased exposure. This practice builds on preventative measures we have already in place.
The screening process includes completing a questionnaire before you arrive on campus and quickly have your temperature taken on arrival. Your temperature needs to be below 100.4 degrees. Once you have completed this screening process, please contact Human Resources at (510) 780-4544 to confirm your status.
Upon your arrival, you will be given a sticker at the front desk to be placed on your Life West identification. You are to wear your badge with this sticker indicating to all that you have been screened. With this identification, you can enter the building each subsequent day.
If there is any change in your screened status, do not come to work and report to your manager. You will need to complete the Health Screening Questionnaire and obtain clearance from Human Resources before returning to campus.
If you would like to get ahead of February 1, you may use the following link: Health Screening Questionnaire
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact LaKeisha Griffin, HR Generalist at (510) 780-4544, or Julie Truong at (510) 780-4565.