Palomar College officials have announced that masks will no longer be required indoors on Palomar College campuses, and proof of vaccination is no longer necessary starting at the beginning of the summer semester, May 31.
Students and staff who plan on going to campus for in-person classes during the summer and fall semesters will still be required to complete a daily Cleared4 health screening prior to their visit. Information regarding this screening and how to set up reminders via text can be found in your Palomar email account.
The mask and vaccination mandate lift will also end all on-campus COVID-19 testing stations starting May 31. To be screened for COVID-19 before these testing centers close, view the on-site testing schedule.
With the decision to lift this mandate comes speculation from those who have differing opinions. With a new omicron variant responsible for 43% of new cases in the United States, it is unsure what the next year will look like for a student at Palomar College.
For those concerned with this change, Palomar College officials have stated in their recent update that health safety protocols, including staying home when you feel sick, updated air filtration, and having masks readily available to anyone who would like one are still in practice. The Palomar College Behavioral Health Counseling department is also available for various services.
Students with questions or concerns are advised to contact vpstudentservices@palomar.edu.
When asked via email about the reasoning behind this decision, the Director of Marketing, Communications, and Public Affairs at Palomar College, Julie Lanthier Bandy stated, “Most recently, the CDC has issued a Low COVID-19 Community Level for San Diego County. The level assigned is based on COVID-19 Case Rate per 100,000 population, new COVID-19 admissions per 100,000 population, and percent staffed inpatient beds in use by patients with confirmed COVID-19. The guidance issued for low-level communities is closely aligned with the College’s recent health and safety guideline changes. Finally, the College reviews and evaluates the health and safety protocols of other higher education institutions in the region.”
Lanthier Bandy also mentioned that antigen tests will be available to staff and students will receive a free antigen test kit via student health services.
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