IMPERIAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT COVID-19 RECOVERY/RETURN TO CAMPUS PLAN

 Clint Doughterty, April 16, 2021

PURPOSE

The COVID-19 recovery and return to campus plan is designed to provide employees and students the criteria, actions, and measures required for a gradual and safe return to campus.

BACKGROUND

On March 13, 2020 the District declared the college closed and moved all instruction and services to remote and on-line. With the exception of a few essential personnel, all employees were asked to work from home and telecommute. Students were also asked to move to remote learning and seek student services through virtual appointments. Employees and students were provided the necessary technology and tools to continue education and services remotely. Essential Face-to-Face (F2F) services provided by Maintenance and Operations, Human Resources, Information Technology and Fiscal Services continued on an as needed basis. Instruction also provided a very small number of F2F classes for nursing and the POST Academies.
The essential employees continued operating on campus on a modified schedule to limit exposure and ensure social distancing. All meetings and other group activities were moved to virtual via zoom.

Over the course of the last year Imperial County experienced several spikes in COVID- 19 cases resulting in keeping us in purple tier for most of the year and preventing us from returning to campus and F2F instruction. In December 2020 the first vaccine became available on a limited basis. The vaccine is being administered through a priority tier system. As of February 26, 2021, the tier opened up for educators.
Employees of the District are currently being vaccinated as appointments and clinics open up. On March 10, 2021 Imperial County moved from purple to red status. It is anticipated that as more and more people receive the vaccine it will become safe to start reopening the college for services in July 2021 and for limited F2F instruction.

CRITERIA FOR RETURN

In general, the criteria for returning to campus will be determined by the guidelines and recommendations set forth by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the California State Public Health Department (CSPHD), and the Imperial County Public Health Department (ICPHD). The county must be in red or better for a gradual and safe return. If the county returns to condition purple or if the Superintendent/President deems it unsafe to return, the return to campus will be placed on hold. Anyone who has already returned to campus may be asked to return home and work from home. Criteria for returning to campus includes the following:

1. That all faculty and staff have had an opportunity to be vaccinated.
2. That the IVC COVID-19 Prevention Plan is in place.
3. That all three collective bargaining units have had the opportunity to negotiate the effects of returning to campus prior to July 6, 2021.
4. That the district has an adequate supply of PPE and cleaning supplies available.
5. That barriers and other safeguards are in place where social distancing is not possible.
6. That a high volume screening process is in place and adequately staffed.
7. That an adequate contact tracing system/process is in place and adequately staffed.
8. That there is a process in place to ensure classrooms are cleaned between uses.
9. That there are hand's free soap and paper towel dispensers or hand dryers installed in all restrooms.
10. That proper signage is in place to indicate social distancing markers, room capacities, and walk flow patterns to assist with social distancing.
11. That classrooms are set-up and properly equipped for hyflex instruction as appropriate.
12. That common meeting spaces are set-up for social distancing.
13. That air filtration systems are in place.

RESPONSIBILITY

Superintendent/President – Is responsible for the overall implementation of the recovery and return to campus plan including determining when it is safe to reopen and under what conditions can faculty and staff safely return.

Vice President of Academic Services – Is responsible for the safety of faculty, staff, and students in the academic services area including the safe delivery of instruction.

Vice President of Student Services and Equity – Is responsible for the safety of faculty, staff, and students in the student services area including the safe delivery of student services. The VP of Student Services is also responsible for the screening and contact tracing of students.

Vice President of Administrative Services – Is responsible for the safety of staff in the administrative services area including the safe delivery of support services. The VP of Administrative Services is also responsible for the timely procurement of all material and supplies needed to work from campus to include, PPE, cleaning supplies, signs, placards, temporary barriers, and other items.

Chief Human Resources Officer – Is responsible for the screening and contact tracing of employees and independent contractors. The CHRO is also responsible for administering worker's compensation claims for an exposure on campus, managing sick leave for a COVID-19 related illness or quarantine, and for managing the employee accommodation process.

Chief Technology Officer – Is responsible for the safety of staff in the information technology division including the safe delivery of IT support services. The CTO will also work closely with the PIO in ensuring the website information on COVID- 19 is up to date and accessible. The CTO will ensure that IT systems in support of on- line learning and student services remain functional and accessible.

Employees/Students – Are responsible for maintaining social distancing whenever possible, wearing of face coverings when around others, wash hands frequently, assist in keeping shared items clean between use, complete a daily screening when on campus, and report any exposure. Employees and students are encouraged but not mandated to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

All – Comply with the IVC COVID-19 Plan, CDC, and local health department guidelines.

General:

Depending on the current status of the pandemic and at the Superintendent's discretion, the District will do a gradual phased return to campus and campus re-opening in alignment with CDC, state, and local health guidelines beginning July 6, 2021. The criteria used in determining who returns and when will be based on the phases described below. Only when the working environment of the employee is determined safe and in accordance with federal, state and local requirements will an employee be asked to return to campus. Not everyone will return to campus at the same time because not everyone's on-campus work environment is the same.

All employees and students on campus are expected to follow the IVC COVID-19 Prevention Plan and adhere to federal, state and local health department guidance. This includes maintaining social distancing, limiting in-person gatherings, wearing of face coverings when around others, frequent washing of hands and good hygiene, conducting daily COVID-19 screening, not reporting to work or class if sick, and reporting any exposure or positive test of COVID-19 to HR (employees) or Student Health Center (students).

The gradual reintegration to campus will depend on the ability to comply with CDC, CalOSHA, Imperial County Health Department and the IVC COVID Prevention Plan guidance and requirements, a safe work environment with adequate controls to prevent

spread of the virus, and the current tier Imperial County is in. The Superintendent has the discretion to delay the return to campus or move back and forth between phases depending on the tier status of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Administrators will begin returning to campus on May 3, 2021 and will be 100% on campus by June 28th.

The return to campus will occur in three phases and in accordance with California Blueprint for a Safer Economy and with the California Department of Public Health COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Institutions of Higher Education (https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-higher-education--en.pdf).

California Blueprint for a Safer Economy

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During each phase, employees will be provided instructions by their direct supervisor. The administration is committed to provide employees the support necessary to enable them to achieve their responsibilities.

Phase I: The county must be in tier red before moving to phase I. Phase I is tentatively planned to begin on Monday, July 6, 2021. During phase I the following will take place:

1. Counselors and staff required for in person services as determined by the VP of Student Services will return to campus as long as the conditions set under this plan are met. The return will be limited to 25% occupancy of common spaces.

2. Academic Services will increase face-to-face instruction Faculty up to 25%. Faculty who return to face-to-face instruction will have the option to work outside of the classroom hours on campus or at home. Faculty who are on campus only

during classroom time will need to ensure students have access to office hours via remote means.

3. Face-to-Face tutoring services may resume on a limited basis for students with disabilities or special needs. Tutoring services will be monitored by the Dean of Arts and Letters to ensure the services are delivered in a safe manner.

4. Staff who work alone in enclosed offices will return to campus as directed by the appropriate administrator.

5. Administrators may stagger lunches, shifts, and on-campus days of staff to minimize exposure and to maintain social distancing when necessary.

6. Minimize walk-ins and provide face-to-face customer service by appointment to the extent possible.

7. Face-to Face Meetings will be limited to 25% capacity of meeting room. Preference will be made to continue meetings via zoom to the extent possible.

8. Classrooms/labs will be wiped down and disinfected between classes as required.

9. No student activities or events will occur without authorization from the VP of Student Services.

10. No athletic competition will take place without authorization from the VP of Academic Services.

11. Food service will be limited to food trucks and all eating/drinking will occur in outdoor areas with proper social distancing or in single occupant offices.

12. Lounges, break rooms, and other common areas will be limited to 25% capacity.

13. Adhere to all the guidelines put out by the CDC, state and county public health, and the COVID-19 plan.

Phase II: The Superintendent/President will determine when the district enters into phase II of the recovery plan. This determination will be based on the county being in tier orange and that the district meets all the guidance and criteria provided by the CDC and county health department. During phase II the following will take place in a gradual manner.

1. All Administrators will continue to work on campus full time.

2. Counselors and staff required for in person services as determined by the VP of Student Services will return to campus as long as the conditions set under this plan are met. The return will be limited to 50% occupancy of common spaces. Staff who work in enclosed individual offices will return full time.

3. Academic Services will increase face-to-face instruction up to 50% classroom classroom/building capacity. Faculty who return to face-to-face instruction will have the option to work outside of the classroom hours on campus or at home. Faculty who are on campus only during classroom time will need to ensure students have access to office hours via remote means.

4. Activities and/or meetings may resume on a limited basis for students not to exceed 50% capacity of classroom, lab, or other common shared spaces.

5. Staff who work alone in enclosed offices will return to campus as directed by the appropriate administrator.

6. Administrators may stagger lunches, shifts, and on-campus days of staff to minimize exposure and to maintain social distancing when necessary.

7. Walk-in customer service will be allowed on a limited basis but must follow social distancing guidelines. Provide face-to-face customer service by appointment to the extent possible.

8. Face-to Face Meetings will be limited to 50% capacity of meeting room. Preference will be made to continue meetings via zoom to the extent possible.

9. Classrooms/labs will be wiped down and disinfected between classes as required (Cleaning materials will be available in each classroom).

10. Lounges, break rooms, and other common areas will be limited to 50% capacity.

11. Food service will be limited to mobile canteens and all eating/drinking will occur in outdoor areas with proper social distancing or in single occupant offices.

12. No student activities or events will occur without authorization from the VP of Student Services.

13. Athletic competition events will not be open to the general public.

14. Adhere to all the guidelines put out by the CDC, state and county public health, and the COVID-19 plan.

Phase III: The Superintendent/President will determine when the district enters into phase III of the recovery plan. This determination will be based on the county being in tier yellow and that the district meets all the guidance and criteria provided by the CDC and county health department. During phase III the following will take place in a gradual manner.

1. All Administrators will continue to work on campus full time.

2. Counselors and staff required for in person services as determined by the VP of Student Services will return to campus as long as the conditions set under this plan are met. The return will be limited to 50% occupancy of common spaces if the proper social distancing and barriers are in place according to CDC and state and county public health guidelines. Staff who work in enclosed individual offices will continue to work on campus full time.

3. Academic Services will increase face-to-face instruction Faculty up to 50% classroom capacity. Faculty who return to face-to-face instruction will have the option to work outside of the classroom hours on campus or at home. Faculty who are on campus only during classroom time will need to ensure students have access to office hours via remote means or arrange for individual face-to face office hours by appointment.

4. Face-to-Face tutoring services may resume on a limited basis for students not to exceed 50% capacity of classroom, lab, or other common shared spaces. Tutoring services will be monitored by the Dean of Arts and Letters to ensure the services are delivered in a safe manner.

5. Staff who work alone in enclosed offices will continue to work from campus as directed by the appropriate administrator.

6. Classrooms/labs will be wiped down and disinfected between classes as required (Cleaning materials will be available in each classroom).

7. Administrators may stagger lunches, shifts, and on-campus days of staff to minimize exposure and to maintain social distancing when necessary.

8. Walk-in customer service is allowed but must follow social distancing guidelines. Provide face-to-face customer service by appointment to the extent possible.

9. Face-to Face Meetings will be limited to 50% capacity of meeting room. Preference will be made to continue meetings via zoom to the extent possible.

10. Student activities or events will be allowed with restrictions. Larger events must be authorized by the VP of Student Services and conform with CDC and state and local public health guidelines.

11. Lounges, break rooms, and other common areas will be limited to 50% capacity.

12. Athletic competition events will be open to the general public at 50% capacity.

13. Food service will be limited to mobile canteens. Eating/drinking may occur indoors with proper social distancing according to CDC and county public health guidelines.

14. Adhere to all the guidelines put out by the CDC, state and county public health, and the COVID-19 plan.

FULL RECOVERY

The Superintendent/President will determine when the district may return to "normal" operations and deem the COVID-19 pandemic is over. This determination will be based on CDC, State, and local public health authority guidance. At this point all faculty and staff will return to campus and normal operations will resume.

Screening/Contact Tracing:

During Phase I, every employee, student, contractor, visitor, and volunteer visiting the IVC Campus must follow the IVC COVID-19 Prevention Plan which includes completing a COVID-19 screening form on a mobile application or using paper form. Safety staff will be at each entrance to the campus to verify the screening is completed. Those using the screening application only need to show the results on their mobile phone.
Those who do not have access to the mobile application or prefer to screen using the paper method will provide the safety staff the form at the entrance. Anyone who is on campus and has not completed the screening will be asked to leave the campus until they have done so.

During Phase II and III, screening will continue based on CDC, State, and Local guidance. At the Superintendent/President's discretion the District may move to the "honor" system of screening and the entrances not be staffed by safety. If a person has been exposed or shows symptoms they must stay home and quarantine until tested or the quarantine period expires.

Employees and students will be asked to swipe their App at Quick Response (QR) code locations they visit while on campus. This is for the sole purpose of contact tracing and will not be used in any other capacity. Doing this will allow the district to determine if

you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 by tracing back your movements while on campus.

Employees or students who have been exposed through contact tracing will be notified by the district within 24 hours so the appropriate actions can be taken to reduce the spread of the virus.

Staffing:

Implementing this plan calls for the need of additional temporary staffing funded by the categorical COVID relief funds as follows:

Three (3) full time temporary campus safety specialists to augment current staff in controlling entrances onto campus property and verification of screening. (Range 14) (Estimated cost for 6 months = $87,273.20)

Four (4) full time temporary campus safety specialists for campus screening operations and contact tracing notices/reporting. (Range 14) (Estimated cost for 6 months =
$116,364.27)

Five (5) full time temporary custodians for increased operations needed between classroom and laboratory use and to maintain water stations. (Range 8) (Estimated cost for 6 months = $121,784.89)

One (1) full time Campus Safety Manager to oversee the district's COVID-19 plan implementation, campus screening, and campus contact tracing. This includes maintaining information and data and reporting as required. This position would report to the Dean of Student Affairs, Enrollment Services, and Campus Safety. (Range 6 on Management Salary schedule) (Estimated cost for 6 months = $47,115.56)

Five (5) full time or One (1) full time and six (6) part time temporary Technology Support Specialists. (Range 21) (Estimated cost for 6 months = $154,517.76)

Other Resources:

Cleaning and disinfectant supplies must be available and ready for use as needed.

There needs to be an adequate amount of facial coverings (masks) available for employees and students at the entrance to the campuses and in departmental offices.

Automated temperature readers which connect to screening application shall be in place at key locations throughout the campus.

There needs to be safe water stations placed throughout the campus.

Where feasible, air ventilation systems need to be updated with air filters that prevent the spread of the virus through the air.

Offices, classrooms and laboratories must be equipped with plexiglass and other types of barriers at points of customer service or where social distancing is not possible.

Classrooms need to be outfitted with remote learning technology on portable carts to allow for hybrid instruction.

Signage needs to be procured or made to reinforce social distancing and indicating foot traffic flows to minimize potential spread.

Restrooms need to be outfitted with hand's free soap dispensers and paper towel dispensers or hand dryers.

Accommodations/Exceptions:

Any employee who is unable to return to work due to a chronic medical condition or disability must contact HR and ask for an interactive meeting for a reasonable accommodation. Each request will be handled on a case by case basis.

Note: This plan is subject to change at any time given that the current situation is fluid.
The District's priority is the employees' and students' safety and well-being.