AVC Students,

COVID Case Update:

  • Total COVID positive cases on campus: 105 
  • 1 new case for the week ending 6/18/2021
  • 1 new case for the week ending 6/25/2021 
  • The total number encompasses students, staff, construction workers, and vendors. It reflects people who were on campus that tested positive within 14 days of their positive test or from when their symptoms began. This is not an indication of a person being exposed on campus.
 
Campus Reopening Update:
AVC will fully reopen beginning Monday, June 28 with one significant modification to the campus safety guidelines:

The District will require all employees, students, and visitors to continue to wear face coverings indoors while on campus until further notice.
 
Several factors were taken into consideration, including the fact that the Antelope Valley has one of the lowest vaccination rates in Los Angeles County, the Delta Plus variant being more transmissible and becoming more dominant in Lancaster and Palmdale, and for the safety of those that work with students in close proximity. Face coverings will be required indoors in most settings until further notice. 
 
Exceptions include:

  • When a student is alone in a room or vehicle
  • While eating or drinking 
  • When a student performs specific tasks which cannot be performed with a face covering

The following individuals are exempt from wearing face coverings at all times:

  • Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering. This includes persons with a medical condition for whom wearing a face covering could obstruct breathing or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the covering without assistance.

  • Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication. It is suggested that a face shield be used as an alternative.
 
Revised Guidelines:
Revised Mask Guidelines
What Students Need to Know

AVC campuses will fully reopen on Monday, June 28, 2021. 

Guidance: 


  • Employees, students, and visitors are required to follow all guidance.

Signage:

  • Signage will continue to be posted on all exterior doors with guidance for employees, students, and visitors to campus.

Vaccinations:

  • AVC will not require vaccinations for employees, students, or visitors to campus.

  • CDPH and the County of Los Angeles strongly recommend that people get their vaccination as it is the most effective defense against contracting and spreading the disease. If you have not been vaccinated, please consider doing so for the protection of yourself and others.

  • Fully vaccinated means fourteen (14) days have passed since you received two (2) doses of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines OR one (1) dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Social Distancing:

  • Social distancing will no longer be required on campus regardless of vaccination status. However, social distancing is a recognized defense against the transmission of droplets.

Face Coverings:

  • Face coverings will NOT be required outdoors except in certain settings regardless of vaccination status.

  • Face coverings are required INDOORS for ALL regardless of vaccination status.

  • Face coverings are the next best defense to vaccinations as long as they are being worn properly. To be effective, the mask must be well fitted so that droplets are not able to enter through loose spaces. See mask guidance here.

Workspace Barriers/Plastic Shields:

  • Workspace barriers/plastic shields will no longer be required. 

  • You may continue to see workspace barriers/plastic shields on campus as requested by AVC employees.

Ventilation Systems:

  • HVAC systems are serviced and clean. This includes filters, filter seals, return air plenums, belts, condensate pans, etc.

  • Fresh air dampers are at maximum openings per outdoor temperatures.

  • MERV 13 filters are to be installed in units capable of using them.

Services for students will be provided in-person. To avoid long lines, appointments are recommended but not required.
 
Summer course instruction will continue to be provided as there will be no change in the method for delivery of instruction for summer courses.

Classrooms can return to full-size capacity beginning in the Fall semester. If a student has already registered for an online course, they do not need to register again.

Daily Self Screenings:

  • Students must continue to submit the daily self-screening. As an FYI, employees also are required to submit a daily self-screening.

Borrowed IT Equipment:

  • The student computer loan program will continue through the Academic year 21-22. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of two classes, six units, to participate. Students needing equipment should go to https://www.avc.edu/computerloanprogram and complete the brief application. Students who have borrowed equipment from Spring ’21 or Summer ’21 may continue to use loaned equipment as long as they continue into Fall ’21 and meet the enrollment requirements. If there are any questions send email to Rick Shaw, rshaw@avc.edu.

Additional Safety Protocols

  • Please continue to adhere to hygiene guidelines, washing hands and using hand sanitizer or wipes, which the college continues to provide as needed. 

Resources: 


  • Please refer to the weekly COVID update email that is sent for updates and details. The COVID Update is also included in Campus Update and on the AVC website. 


Please note that in the case of an outbreak (3 or more District verified cases in an exposed group), guidelines will change and stricter guidelines will apply and be enforced.  

Thank You,
Antelope Valley College
Important information for Antelope Valley College community published by the Office of Marketing & Public Information. Upon request five business days before the event, reasonable accommodation will be provided to facilitate the participation of covered individuals with disabilities. Call (661) 722-6360.