Palomar Prepares In-Person Fall Semester With Recovery Plan

Aug 6, 2021

The phased repopulation plan outlines a variety of measures to keep students and employees safe at Palomar College facilities.

SAN MARCOS — A return to in-person classes is in the works at Palomar College’s main campus and education centers in Escondido, Rancho Bernardo and Fallbrook, after the August 4 issuance of a “COVID-19 Recovery Plan” to guide the repopulation effort.

As of Monday, August 16, 2021, the campus and education centers will re-open with limited in-person services for students and the general public. The Fall 2021 semester begins with a number of in-person courses on Monday, August 23.

The plan outlines a variety of requirements to ensure the safe return of students, faculty and staff, reflecting the latest recommendations of health experts and Palomar’s own COVID-19 Emergency Operations team that has navigated the college for nearly 18 months without an outbreak.

“We are cautiously optimistic about our return to campus, especially with the clear and decisive actions outlined in this Recovery Plan to keep all of our students and employees safe,” said Palomar College Superintendent/President Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey. “We have done, and will continue to do, everything necessary to maintain a safe and healthy campus environment, where we will carry on our commitment to  student success.”

Dr. Rivera-Lacey emphasized that the plan could change with new guidance issued by the County of San Diego Public Health Department, Cal/OSHA, the California State Department of Public Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As of now, health and safety measures include:

  • A facial covering requirement when indoors for all students and employees, regardless of vaccination status.
  • A requirement for all students and employees to use a health pre-screening tool available on the My Palomar App
  • A COVID-19 Employee Vaccination and Immunization Plan, as reflected in BP 7330 and AP 7330 approved by the Palomar College Governing Board
  • A corresponding Student Vaccination and Immunization Plan, following Governing Board approval of BP 5210 and AP 5210