COVID-19 Updates

Due to the increased risks surrounding COVID-19, face masks/coverings are required on campus. Masks should be worn in all academic and student areas, meetings, and restrooms. New variants like Omicron have swept the nation and continue to disrupt many lives. Preliminary reports suggest that Omicron is more transmissible than the Delta variant, but perhaps not as potent. As we work to protect ourselves, know that we all have a part to play in stemming the spread of COVID-19. Continue to mask up, social distance, and sanitize/wash your hands frequently. 

Drake State will continue to follow and reccomend guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Alabama Community College System (ACCS), and Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) to ensure the health and safety of everyone.

Vaccination remains the leading prevention strategy against COVID-19. Scientists say the COVID-19 vaccine significantly reduces the potential of severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. The vaccines are proven to be safe and effective and everyone five years of age and older is eligible to get free COVID-19 vaccine shots. We encourage faculty, staff, and students to get vaccinated and boosted.

Keep in mind that we’re already in the midst of this year’s flu season. According to the CDC, influenza viruses can spread year-round, but flu activity peaks between the months of December and February and can last as late as May. If you haven’t already received a flu shot, please consider getting one. Flu vaccines and COVID vaccines can be given at the same time.

• Close contact: is defined as within 6 feet of an infected person (laboratory confirmed) for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.
• Fully-vaccinated: People are considered fully-vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine.

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, shall:

• Stay home for five days.
• If there are no symptoms or symptoms are resolving after 5 days, the individual may return to campus/work. The individual should test, if possible, prior to returning to work.
• Individuals shall wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.

Note: If the individual has a fever, they should continue to stay home until the fever resolves.

Persons who are fully vaccinated within the last 6 months OR have been boosted shall:  

• Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
• Test on day five, if possible.

Persons who are fully vaccinated over 6 months ago and are not boosted or are unvaccinated shall:

• Stay home for five days. After that, continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
• Test on day five, if possible.
• If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms their symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.

It is imperative that each person continues to do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in accordance with CDC guidelines:

• Stay away from the workplace when you are not well.
• Regularly wash and sanitize your hands.
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, and mouth.
• Avoid sneezing or coughing without appropriate covering of the nose and mouth.

Note: Any faculty, staff, or student who reports a laboratory-confirmed positive test for COVID-19 must notify his/her immediate supervisor or instructor. Student cases should be reported to the Coordinator of COVID-19 Response. Faculty and staff cases should be reported to the Director of Public Relations

As you know, public health guidance can change quickly in this rapidly evolving environment. Please continue to monitor local, state, and national health and safety guidance based on local conditions.

Faculty, staff, and students have access to a LIMITED supply of self-testing kits. 

Faculty and staff should fill out this COVID Test Form and submit it to Health Sciences Assistanct Rebecca Sims before picking up a self-test kit.

Students should fill out this COVID Test Form and submit it to the Coordinator for COVID-19 Response Kent Ballard before picking up a self-test kit.

Temperature monitors and hand sanitizing stations are assessible in each building on the campus. Use them to your advantage as you protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19.

Each instructor has access to cleaning supplies. Classrooms should be cleaned and disinfected after each class. Authorized personnel will deep clean throughout the week. If you bring any sanitation supplies of your own, please ensure that the supplies are appropriate for commercial spaces. Operations Director Bruce Bulluck will be able to assist in identifying any chemical unsuitable for campus use.  

Faculty and staff, please consider the following public practices:

• Resume use of plexiglass dividers and consider using face shields provided in the past.
• Consider reconfiguring your office (if necessary) to provide you with greater opportunities to distance yourself from potential visitors.
• Disinfect areas after student usage.
• Practice consistency with cleaning and sanitation of classrooms, labs, and all academic spaces.