Cypress College Reports First Student-Related COVID-19 Case of 2020-21 Academic Year
A Cypress College student who is currently enrolled in a class that meets intermittently on campus tested positive for COVID-19. The student notified Cypress College of a positive test result on Thursday, October 8, and was last on campus the morning of October 1.
Tracing information provided by the student states that appropriate protective equipment, including a face mask, plastic shield, and gloves were worn at all times when the student was on campus. In addition, the student did not have either direct or prolonged contact with anyone else on campus. The student reported no needs of support from the college and is self-isolating in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control.
According to the CDC, “A potential exposure means having close contact within 6 feet of an individual with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 for 15 minutes or more without Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The timeframe for having contact with an individual includes the period of time of 48 hours before the individual became symptomatic.”
While the CDC guidelines for potential transmission exposure to others was not met in this instance, Cypress College has notified all students in the course, along with the instructor and staff member who was assisting that day, so that they are informed about the positive COVID-19 result. To be cautious, Cypress College has encouraged each student enrolled in the class to self-quarantine at home and to practice physical distancing. In addition, Cypress College has made available its Health Center professionals to answer questions or to provide additional guidance and support to these students.
In advance of the semester, Cypress College launched its “We Above Me” Health and Safety Protocol campaign which connected the college’s motto with the need for safety precautions both on and off campus.
All participants in on-campus coursework and study sessions must complete a health and wellness screening in the college’s mobile app prior to participating. Students are not permitted to participate in on-campus activities if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or if they believe they may have been exposed to someone with the virus. In addition, masks and social distancing are required at all times while on the Cypress College campus.