COVID-19 | March 11, 2022

A Message from Dana Elm, Interim Dean of Administration | Updates to Mitigation Strategies at NVCC

President Cheng issued a statement today informing us that the CSCU system is transitioning from pandemic emergency response to routine disease prevention. This means that many of the mitigation strategies in place over the past two years will be eliminated or relaxed. Here is what you can expect to stay the same or change.

Protocols referenced in the COVID Safety Plan that will not change:

• All positive cases will continue to be reported to the COVID Coordinator, who will continue to assess potential for close contacts, inform those affected, provide isolation and quarantine guidance, and authorize return to campus and clinical dates based on the latest CDC guidance.
• Everyone should continue to monitor for symptoms of COVID. If symptomatic, get tested and stay home until symptoms resolve.
• Disinfection stations will remain in their current locations.

Protocols that will change:

• Starting April 4, masks will be optional for all.
• Starting April 4, social distancing and proof of vaccination or a negative test result will no longer be required for attendees and performers at events. Capacities for event venues will revert to pre-pandemic numbers.
• Testing for the next three weeks is optional for employees and students in the weekly testing program. During Spring Break, testing will only be held on Monday, March 14. Testing days for the weeks of March 21 and March 28 will continue to be on Monday (8 am – 12 pm) and Thursday (2 pm – 6pm).

Throughout the pandemic, we have based our protocols on the evolving guidance from the CDC and CT DPH. Current local and state conditions support moving in this direction. If we need to, we will quickly respond by reverting to the protective strategies that we know worked to prevent transmission. NVCC COVID Communications will continue to be the source of information should any updates be needed.

Mask and Rapid Test Availability. For the those who choose to wear one, face masks will be available for students and employees. Masks can be obtained at the Information Center in Kinney Hall (5^th floor) and in Academic Division Offices. Keep in mind that N95 masks are considered to be respirators, and some may find it difficult to breath when wearing one correctly. If you have concerns or questions about your ability to wear a mask of this style, please see your medical provider. Use of an N95 mask for protection against the virus at NVCC is considered to be voluntary under 29 CFR1910.134.

The COVID Coordinator has a supply of rapid tests, which will be available upon request for anyone who thinks they may have been exposed. To arrange for pick up, please email Patti DaSilva (pdasilva@nv.edu) or Dana Elm (delm@nv.edu). Pick up location is Kinney Hall, room K706. If you are not feeling well, please call to arrange pick up under special conditions.

Positive cases. Cases reported for the past five weeks are given below.

Some of you may welcome this news about relaxing mitigation strategies, while others may find this disconcerting. These last two years have been filled with fear, stress, worry, and grief, and it will take time to heal and get accustomed to these changes. I hope that we can show each other kindness and acceptance regarding personal choices about wearing face masks now and in the future.

For those off next week, I hope you spend time doing what you love!

Dana

Dana Elm
Interim Dean of Administration, COVID Coordinator
Naugatuck Valley Community College

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