Q: What are the rules around masking?
A: CCS will be requiring all individuals – regardless of vaccination status – to wear a face covering while indoors on campus, in compliance with Gov. Jay Inslee’s recent indoor mask mandate. The mandate goes into effect Monday, Aug. 23. There will be limited exceptions when face coverings won’t be required, such as office spaces not easily accessible to the public where individuals are vaccinated, and when working alone indoors or in a vehicle with no public face-to-face interaction.
According to the Washington State Department of Health, a mask or face covering is anything that completely covers your mouth and nose and fits securely on the sides of your face and under your chin. It should be made of two or more layers of tightly woven fabric with ties or straps that go around your head or behind your ears. More protective coverings, such as masks or respirators may be required in the workplace.
Q: Will unvaccinated employees or students be prevented from coming to campus?
A: No. Students with an exemption status may come to campus as long as they comply with masking requirements. CCS faculty and staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 18 unless they have a legitimate medical exemption, or claim a sincerely held religious belief, in accordance with Gov. Inslee’s Aug. 18 vaccination mandate.
Q: What kind of mask should I wear?
A: According to the Washington State Department of Health, a mask or face covering is anything that completely covers your mouth and nose, and fits securely on the sides of your face and under your chin. It should be made of two or more layers of tightly woven fabric with ties or straps that go around your head or behind your ears. More protective coverings, such as masks or respirators may be required in the workplace.
Q. If I was previously diagnosed with COVID-19, do I still need to get vaccinated?
A. Yes. A previous COVID-19 infection/diagnosis does not satisfy the vaccination requirement.
Q: Who is responsible for ensuring compliance with masking requirements?
A: Faculty will work with their students in their classroom to maintain compliance with the new guidelines. Students who do not comply with masking requirements when directed by faculty or staff may be subject to disciplinary action through the student code of conduct. Supervisors will work with their employees in their area to maintain compliance with the new guidelines. Individuals who fail to comply with masking requirements may be subject to discipline as outlined in their respective collective bargaining agreement and master contract, and non-represented employees under CCS policies and procedures.
Q: What are the consequences for not wearing a required mask?
A: Individuals who fail to comply with masking requirements may be subject to discipline.
Q: What rules apply to visitors and guests?
A: Visitors and guests must comply with the Governor's face covering mandate and any applicable L&I workplace safety requirements. This applies to guest speakers, advisory committee members and other industry partners, and prospective students, among others. Currently, this means all students, faculty, staff, visitors and guests must wear facemasks indoors with limited exception.
Q. What safety rules apply to advisory committee members?
Advisory committee members are regarded as visitors and must follow all visitor COVID safety requirements while on campus.
Q: Is proof of vaccination required or can self-attestation information be verified?
A: The self-attestation form does not require proof of vaccination to be entered, only the dates that shots were received and that the individual attests to the truthfulness of their attestation. Immunization status may be verified with the Washington State Department of Health. Assertion of exemption status does not require any documentation. CCS and state and local public health officials may ask for verification of student vaccination status in the future. CCS and state and local public health officials may ask for verification of student vaccination status in the future.
Q: Is there any distinction between medical and religious exemptions?
A: Medical exemptions are granted to those with documentation on file including allergies, pregnancy, or other conditions the CDC considers contraindication for the COVID-19 vaccination. Students and employees may also claim an exemption because of conflicts with their religious beliefs and practices. The College will receive exemption claims in good faith, not questioning the reason. Exemptions will be submitted through the same ctcLink online portal.
Q: Will the campus know what percentage of employees and students are vaccinated?
A: Yes.
Q: What are the consequences for misrepresentation of vaccination status?
A: Individuals who misrepresent their vaccination status may be subject to discipline.
Q: What are the social distancing requirements now?
A: All social distancing requirements are removed under the new protocol, except dining areas which are three feet; this applies to all individuals on campus equally.
Q: Are we still checking temperatures, completing daily health attestations, and checking in at building entrances?
A: The daily health attestation will be discontinued, no daily health checks will be performed and building check-in stations will be removed.
Q: Do the new guidelines mean students can be on campus outside of class time and use the common areas?
A: Yes, campuses are fully re-opening!
Q: How will COVID cases on campus be reported and tracked?
A: The Stay Safe, Stay Open Committee is reviewing the current protocol for reporting and tracking. A new procedure for both employee and student situations could come soon.
Q: Will online students be required to complete an attestation?
A: An attestation is required of any CCS student or employee, regardless of location. This is because many fully-online students access on-campus services, such as the bookstore, tutoring and financial aid.
Q: What steps are needed for job accommodation for employees?
A: The Health Emergency Labor Standards Act (HELSA) law went into effect in May 2021. More information about the act is at F417-291-000 Q&A - Health Emergency Labor Standards Act (HELSA) (wa.gov). If you are at high risk due to COVID-19, and want to request an accommodation, please contact Reggie Eans at the Human Resources office at reggie.eans@ccs.spokane.edu.