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Dear Peralta Community, Alameda County has released Health Officer Order Number 21-01a which took effect at 12:01 am on Tuesday June 15, 2021. This new order rescinds the Alameda County shelter in place order that has been in effect (in some form) since March 2020. After nearly 15 months, the shelter in place order implemented to help keep the community safe from the spread of COVID-19 has been lifted. That is good news for sure. But what does that mean for us here in the Peralta Community College District? From now through the end of our summer semester in July, we will continue with what we have been doing to prevent the spread of COVID: Campuses will remain officially closed with some exceptions for in-person classes, athletics, and individuals performing tasks deemed to be essential for the organization. As we have said throughout the pandemic, the health and safety of students and employees is our top priority. And that remains the case. While the number of COVID-19 infections in Alameda County have dropped, they have not disappeared. We need to remain vigilant: get vaccinated, wash your hands frequently, and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. If you are sick, stay home and rest. PCCD employees must continue to follow Cal/OSHA guidelines. Each of the colleges are working along with the district on our “Return to Campus” plans. These plans in turn are discussed during a weekly district Emergency Operations Center meeting that includes executive leadership, subject matter experts from Risk Management and Health Services, and leaders from each of the collective bargaining units so all employees are represented appropriately. We are planning for a gradual and safe return to campus, and to date have not set a specific timeline for a full re-opening of in-person instruction and on-campus work. As plans are solidified, they will be negotiated with each of the collective bargaining units and then communicated out to the community. In the meantime, thank you all for the amazing work you do to help our students succeed. Visit https://safe.peralta.edu/ for the latest information about the COVID-19 pandemic and Peralta Community College District.
Thank you, and stay well, Dr. Jannett N. Jackson Interim Chancellor Peralta Community College District
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