COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Frequently Asked Questions

The Order will go into effect on November 1, 2021.

Yes. For Fall 2021: A student or employee must be fully vaccinated or tested twice weekly starting on November 1, 2021.

For Winter or Spring 2022: A student or employee must be fully vaccinated or have an approved religious or medical exemption. If approved for a medical or religious exemption, the individual will be required to test twice weekly.

The Order allows for two exemptions: (1) the student or employee is declining vaccination based on Religious Beliefs, or (2) the student or employee is excused from receiving any COVID-19 vaccine due to Qualifying Medical Reasons.

Students or employees must complete the Vaccination Declaration Form. Students planning to register for in-person coursework in Spring 2022 will be required to complete the compliance declaration form in addition to uploading vaccine verification prior to registering.

Yes, but only until December 31, 2021.

As of January 1, 2022, testing will only be allowed for those who are granted a medical or religious exemption.

It applies to all individuals who access district and college facilities (including in-person classes, in-person support services, and other indoor activities).

The VP of Student Services from the respective colleges will enforce the requirement for students. Students that do not comply with testing will be contacted by Student Services and will be removed from the class if they do not immediately begin testing. Instructors will not know if students are vaccinated or unvaccinated. However, instructors will receive notice if a student is no longer allowed to attend a face-to-face class.

Please note that students will not be able to register for spring classes unless they declare they are vaccinated, and they will be removed from their spring classes if they do not upload a vaccination record by the established deadline. Students with an approved medical or religious exemption to the vaccination requirement will be required to complete twice-weekly testing.

Yes, everyone is required to complete the Daily Health Self-Assessment as of November 1st.

COVID testing takes place four times a week.

The testing lab will generally provide the results within 48 hours. You will receive a notification from Virus Geeks when your test results are available.

Regardless of vaccination status, students and employees who test positive for COVID-19 should report, using the COVID-19 Incident Report Form, if they have been to campus during their infectious period. Faculty should also submit a COVID-19 Incident Report form if a student in an in-person class informs you that they have COVID-19 symptoms, or have been diagnosed with COVID-19, and they were on campus during the infectious period. It is important that you both report the incident as multiple reports help to ensure that timely, detailed, and accurate information is received.

Please note: The infectious period begins 48 hours prior to either the onset of symptoms or 48 hours prior to the positive test sample being collected if no symptoms have developed, and it continues through the isolation period as defined by the Santa Clara County Health Department. See more information on Isolation and Quarantine Requirements.

Face coverings are required indoors.

All students and employees must wear a face covering inside District facilities.

The only exceptions to this rule are when you have an approved exemption, or you are alone in a room with the door closed, when eating, or when wearing a face covering creates a hazard during instructional activities.

It is recommended that you wear a mask outside as well.

Yes. All students, regardless of their vaccination status, who are taking in-person classes or who are on campus are required to wear a mask indoors. Please refer to the Face Covering Guidelines that all students will be expected to follow when they are on campus.

Yes. Students utilizing in-person services, on-campus facilities will need to use the WVC Go app to submit a daily health self-assessment and obtain a green "Cleared" badge. In order to obtain a cleared badge, students must be fully vaccinated or attest they have received a negative COVID test within the last 72 hours

For Spring 2022: Students will only be allowed on campus if they are fully vaccinated or have an approved medical or religious exemption. Testing will only be an option for those with an approved medical or religious exemption

Students who completed a COVID-19 vaccination series with a vaccine that has been authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO) do not need any additional doses with an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine. People who completed or partially completed a COVID-19 vaccine series with a vaccine that is not authorized by either F.D.A. or WHO may be offered an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine series. The minimum interval between the last dose of a non-FDA authorized vaccine and an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine is 28 days.

For questions, supplies, and general assistance with classroom instruction, contact the respective Dean/Division Office.

For guidance, assistance, requests related to COVID protocols, procedures, safety measures, contact the Administrative Services Office.

For on-site response to classroom issues/concerns, contact your dean or manager. If it is after 6:00 PM, contact the Evening Administrator-on-Duty at (408) 593-2086.

For more COVID-19 related information and guidelines, please visit the college and district websites.

Classrooms are being cleaned twice daily - once midday and once in the evening.

For confirmed exposures in the classroom, the room will be closed off, cleaned, and disinfected before reopening.

All HVAC units have MERV 13 filters installed and meet or exceed the air exchange recommendations.

Additional HEPA filters are provided for areas with high exhalation activities.

All individuals (including visitors and contractors) must complete the health assessment before entering campus each day.

The West Valley Go app is the best way to complete the assessment.

• A green checkmark indicates clearance to enter campus.
• A red X mark indicates the requirement to stay/go home. Employees receiving this mark should immediately notify their supervisor.

Instructors should encourage and remind students to use the health checker and WVC Go app.

• Download the WVC Go mobile app
• Access the WVC Go mobile app on desktop

Employees should be familiar with all COVID-related district guidelines and the COVID-19 Employee Prevention Plan. The Plan aligns with Cal/OSHA requirements and includes information, procedures, and practices to keep employees safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus in the workplace.

All Classified professionals were provided with a safety kit containing 3 packs of disposable mask, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizer with a pocket-size spray bottle.

Employees can request additional PPE.

Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Orders require employers to provide specific COVID-19 related training to employees. The training assignments are provided by Human Resources via the District's online learning and management system, Keenan Safe Colleges. All staff should note that COVID-19 training is mandatory.

Employees should be familiar with all COVID-related district guidelines and the COVID-19 Employee Prevention Plan. The Plan aligns with Cal/OSHA requirements and includes information, procedures, and practices to keep employees safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus in the workplace.

All individuals, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a face-covering while on campus and inside a building.

Face coverings are available in Wellness Kiosks across campus or through your division office.

If your student does not have a face covering, you should provide one to them.

Review our District guidelines for more details.

Manage student noncompliance with COVID requirements in the same way as you would other class or college rules.

Steps include reminding and informing students, providing options, asking students to leave, and/or dismissing the class if needed.

As always, the Evening Administrator on Duty at (408) 593-2086 and our campus police are always on standby to assist with safety concerns after 6:00 PM.

Refer to the Helping Students and Visitors Comply with Face-Covering Requirements document for more guidance.

Mask with a clear plastic panel is available for use.

This may be beneficial for people where seeing facial expressions and reading lips is important and helps with comprehension.

Contact the Disability and Educational Support Program (DESP) at (408) 741-2453.

An N95 Mask is a disposable filtering facepiece respirator with two straps.

The use of a respirator on the college facility is voluntary.

When an N95 Mask is requested, administrative services staff will schedule a date and time for pick-up.

Before your pick-up, ensure that you have completed the instructional video through the Keenan Safe Colleges Training on District’s website.

You may be asked to provide your certificate of completion at the time of pick-up.

• There is no longer a requirement to socially distance or remain six feet apart. However, individuals should remain physically distanced whenever possible.
• There are no longer COVID occupancy or density limits for indoor spaces.

Employees who develop COVID-19 symptoms, are diagnosed with COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 must immediately report it using the COVID-19 Reporting Form.

The form may be completed on behalf of another person if the exposed person or COVID-positive person cannot complete the form.

The form is the first critical step to ensure all COVID procedures and protocols are implemented.

Signs have been placed strategically around campus and inside buildings to serve as reminders for adhering to safety protocols. All employees, students, and visitors will be required to follow the direction and adhere to these protocols.

See examples of these signs.

We have installed sneeze guards and space dividers where needed and requested. Please reach out to your supervisor to discuss your workspace.

See examples of where sneeze guards have been installed.

The College has purchased Wellness Kiosks that house hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and face masks. These kiosks are located in our large classrooms, high traffic areas, Campus Center, and the Student Services Center and will be replenished daily by custodial staff.

Contact your division offices to request additional supplies as needed.

Instructors should have supplies on hand in the classroom for student use.

The College has purchased Wellness Kiosks that will house hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and face masks. These kiosks are located in many classrooms, high traffic areas, Campus Center, and the Student Services Center and will be replenished daily by our custodial staff.

See rendering of how the stations look.