Dear 4CD Family,
After a review of the Governor’s Regional Stay at Home Order, a review of Contra Costa County’s implementation of the order, feedback from county health, and input from the 4CD cabinet, we will not need to make substantive changes to how we are proceeding to close out the fall semester or how we plan to move forward with the spring semester. We are already operating within the parameters of the new order and have a spring schedule that is within the parameters as well. The rule of thumb for colleges and schools under this order is to keep operating the way we have been throughout the fall semester. If we make any adjustments, the adjustments cannot equate to more time on a 4CD property. The current County Order gives guidance for colleges and schools in Section 2.G. here: https://813dcad3-2b07-4f3f-a25e-23c48c566922.filesusr.com/ugd/84606e_c414dd9409a0478cad5a0ecf80e19eb4.pdf
Closing Out the Fall Semester
With regard to closing out the fall semester, we are starting finals week on Monday 12/7 and sliding into winter break thereafter. Final exams can proceed as planned and any support services already scheduled to support finals can remain. Individual visits to any of our six facilities should be limited as much as possible. If your physical presence on any 4CD property can be avoided, please do so. If it cannot be avoided, follow our current public health protocols (mask, social distance, hygiene, etc.). Do not visit any 4CD facility if you are presenting COVID symptoms.
Starting Up the Spring Semester
We intend to follow our plans for the spring semester with or without the Regional Stay at Home Order. The plans for the District and three colleges are very thorough and have been developed with broad constituent input. If the order is in place during the spring semester, we will need to follow the more restrictive approach described in the previous paragraph. If the order is lifted before or during the spring semester, we can continue having in-person services and instruction proportional to the needs at each of our sites, much like our Return-to-Worksites Covid-19 Operations Plan already delineates. Under all circumstances, public health protocols will need to be followed (mask, social distance, hygiene, etc.).
Dr. Reece
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Bryan Reece, Ph.D.
Chancellor, Contra Costa Community College District