Q: What are the rules around masking?
A: Starting March 12, 2022 and in accordance with Gov. Jay Inslee's updated mask and face coverings guidance, masks at Community Colleges of Spokane are no longer required.
The updated guidance affects all CCS campuses and locations. Those who wish to continue wearing masks are encouraged to do so and masks will continue to be provided on campuses.
Masks are still required at all Head Start/Early Head Start locations. Children aged two and up are encouraged to wear masks.
Q: Will unvaccinated employees or students be prevented from coming to campus?
A: No. Students with an exemption status may come to campus. 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. 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. 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: How will COVID cases on campus be reported and tracked?
A: Students who have been on site and have tested positive for COVID should notify their instructors and employees who have been on site and tested positive for COVID should notify their supervisors. Close contacts will be notified. CCS is required to provide COVID case information to the Spokane Regional Health District, and in certain instances, to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
Weekly case counts of students and employees who have been on site and tested positive for COVID are publicized in the employee newsletter On the Inside. Daily employee counts including testing date and campus location are available on CCSnet.
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.