Coronavirus Information

SELF-ISOLATION OF PERSONS WITH COVID-19

In accordance with Orange County guidelines, all Orange County residents and visitors who has been diagnosed with or are likely to have COVID-19, as defined below, shall immediately isolate themselves in their home or another residence under the following criteria, as applicable:

Effectively immediately, and continuing until further notice, the following shall be in effect in unincorporated and incorporated territories of Orange County, California:

1. Self-Isolation of Persons with COVID-19:

1. Individuals with COVID-19 shall isolate themselves until:
   
   1. At least 10 days has elapsed from when their symptoms first appeared
   2. At least 24 hours have passed since resolution of fever, meaning their fever has resolved without use of fever-reducing medications and their respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) have improved; AND
   3. Other symptoms have improved (except that loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation)
2. Individuals who have a positive COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen laboratory test result that are without COVID-19 symptoms shall isolate themselves for 10 days from the date when the first specimen for the positive COVID-19 laboratory test result was obtained

Unless the individual has met a.i) and a.ii) and a.iii), the individual may not leave his or her place of isolation except to receive necessary medical care.

If a more specific isolation order is issued by the County Health Officer for any county resident, the specific order shall be followed instead of this order #1.

This self-isolation order DOES NOT in any way restrict access by first responders to an isolation site during an emergency.

Definition:

A person is considered to be “diagnosed with or likely to have COVID-19” if the person has:

• Received a positive COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen laboratory test result; and/or
• Been informed by a physician that he or she is likely to have COVID-19; and/or
• Signs and symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19 (i.e., new onset of fever, cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing)

SELF-QUARANTINE OF PERSONS EXPOSED TO COVID-19

In accordance with Orange County guidelines, all Orange County residents and visitors who knows that they have been in close contact, as defined below, with a person diagnosed with or likely to have COVID-19 (as defined in Order #1, above) shall take the following actions:

1. Self-Quarantine of Persons Exposed to COVID-19:
   1. Not Fully-Vaccinated Persons
      1. Shall stay in their home or another place of residence:
         1. For at least 10 days from the date of last contact with a person who has COVID-19 without testing; OR
         2. For at least 7 days with a negative COVID-19 diagnostic test result. Diagnostic specimen shall be collected on Day 5 or later from the date of last contact with person with COVID-19
      2. The following persons shall quarantine themselves in their home or another place of residence for 14 days from the date of last contact with person who has COVID-19:
         1. All persons who reside or work in a high-risk congregate living setting (e.g., skilled nursing facilities, prisons, jails, shelters)
         2. All persons who reside or work with severely immunosuppressed persons (e.g., bone marrow or solid organ transplants, chemotherapy)

All persons quarantined must take the following additional actions:

1. Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms through Day 14 and if symptoms occur, contact the Orange County Health Care Agency or their healthcare provider and seek COVID-19 testing. They should remain at home or another place of residence and away from others pending the results of their testing
2. Stay at least 6 feet from others through Day 14;
3. Wear face coverings at all times through Day 14 and adhere to the face covering order (see Section II) below, after Day 14;
4. Avoid crowds through Day 14 after the date of last exposure

If a more specific quarantine order is issued by the County Health Officer for any county resident, that order shall be followed instead of this order #4.

This self-quarantine order DOES NOT in any way restrict access by first responders to a quarantine site during an emergency.

1. Exemptions:
   1. Asymptomatic fully vaccinated persons are not required to quarantine after exposure to COVID-19
      1. Individuals are considered fully-vaccinated for COVID-19 if it has been:
         1. 14 days or more after they have received the second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna); or
         2. 14 days or more after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson/Janssen)
   2. Asymptomatic persons previously infected with COVID-19. If an exposed person tested positive for COVID-19 before their new, recent exposure and it has been less than 3 months since they started having symptoms from that previous infection (or since their first positive COVID-19 test, if asymptomatic), they do not need to quarantine, as long as they have not had any new symptoms since their recent exposure to COVID-19

Definition:

“Close contact” means being within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more, over a 24-hour period, starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic persons, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the infectious person is isolated. A person who is diagnosed with or likely to have COVID-19 is considered infectious from 48 hours before the moment his or her symptoms first appeared until that time when the person is no longer required to be isolated. A person who is diagnosed with COVID-19 but has no symptoms is considered infectious from 48 hours prior to the date the person was tested until 10 days after that date.

Please visit Orange County Health Care Agency for up-to-date orders and recommendations:

https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/article/oc-health-officers-orders-recommendations

1. Do I have to wear a mask on campus? Yes. Masks must be worn on campus while indoors when others are present. Masks must also be worn outdoors during large events (such as New Student Orientation) and any time social distancing isn’t possible.
2. Why are masks being required at LCAD? To protect against the Delta Variant, the CDC recommends wearing face coverings indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission. Orange County meets that definition. We will continually monitor this situation.
3. What if I forget my mask or run out of them? Masks are available upon request to all community members. You may pick one up at the reception desk at any campus.
4. What if I have a health issue that prevents me from wearing a mask? If you wish to seek ADA Reasonable Accommodations related to returning to campus for the fall 2021-2022 semester, please apply for accommodations by contacting our Disabilities Coordinator, Lisa Villanueva at: lvillanueva@lcad.edu
5. Can I remove my mask while eating? Masks must be worn at all times while indoors when others are present. Snacks and meals should be eaten outside. You do not need to wear a mask outdoors while social distancing.
6. Do I need to wear a mask outdoors and while walking to classes? Masks must be worn while inside any LCAD facility. Masks are not required outside if you can socially distance. 
7. Can I wear any kind of mask I want? The CDC provides guidance on masks. Your mask should have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric and should completely cover your nose and mouth. It should fit snugly against the sides of your face and not have any gaps. Masks should have a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask.
8. Why do I have to complete a daily health assessment? The daily health assessments help us ensure the campus is safe from a potential COVID-19 outbreak and reminds our community to stay home if they are ill. Everyone is required to complete the symptom check using the LiveSafe app each time they come to campus.
9. What should I do if I have symptoms and do not get a green check mark on the WorkSafe app? If you have any symptoms, you may not come on campus for any reason. If you start to feel symptoms while you are already on campus, you must go home immediately and report your illness using the WorkSafe app; Report a COVID-19 Concern/Question or by emailing the COVID Coordinator at COVID@lcad.edu. Please seek medical attention if symptoms become severe, including persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, or bluish lips or face.
10. Where can I go to get tested for COVID-19 if I have symptoms? There are multiple testing sites within the community. You may visit the Orange County Health Department's website if you need assistance finding a testing facility.
11. What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19? Seek medical attention if symptoms become severe, including persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, or bluish lips or face. Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test, must notify the college immediately using the WorkSafe app or by emailing the COVID Coordinator at COVID@lcad.edu
12. What will LCAD do if there is a confirmed COVID-19 case on campus? LCAD has a detailed protocol in case there is a confirmed case on campus. This protocol includes contact tracing and notification, facilities disinfecting, possible building closures and mandated reporting. We have a dedicated team working to ensure campus safety.
13. How will I be protected while riding the shuttle? Shuttle drivers will be vaccinated and wearing a mask. All passengers will also be required to wear a mask. The shuttle will be sanitized hourly. 
14. What if I become ill and cannot come to class? Contact your faculty immediately to make arrangements if you are unable to attend classes due to illness. Do not come to campus if you are sick. 
15. Will student lounges be open in the Fall? Students will be able to go into student lounges to purchase food in the vending machines, but must go outside to eat. There will be no indoor lounging spaces for the time being.
16. Will senior studios be open? Yes, senior studios and labs will be open for regular use. Masks must be worn at all times.

1. How do I demonstrate proof of vaccination and how will these records be kept? You will be asked to upload your vaccination card into the attestation form by August 8^th, 2021. These records will be kept confidential and separate from your student file.

2. How can I get a vaccine? Will LCAD offer these? Who pays for these? LCAD does not provide vaccines. However, they are widely available for free at pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. For information on where to get a vaccine, go to: https://www.vaccines.gov/search/. We encourage you to get a vaccination in your local area.

3. What if I can’t get the vaccine in time for the start of school? As long as you can show evidence of receiving the first dose before school starts, you may come on campus. Masks are required to be worn at all times on campus. Also, you will be required to take weekly COVID-19 tests and provide the results until you have provided documentation that you are fully vaccinated. Vaccines are widely available for free at pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. For information on where to get a vaccine go to: https://www.vaccines.gov/search/ .

4. What if I can’t get the second dose before school starts? As long as you can show evidence of receiving the first dose before school starts, you may come on campus. Masks are required to be worn at all times on campus until two weeks after your second dose or first dose of a single shot vaccination and you have provided documentation. Also, you will be required to take weekly COVID-19 tests and provide the results until you have provided documentation that you are fully vaccinated.

5. How can I get an exemption? You will be asked to complete an exemption request form. If you are seeking a medical exemption, you will be required to have your medical provider complete an exemption form. If you are seeking a religious exemption, you will be asked to write a personal statement describing your sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances preventing you from getting the vaccination.

6. What kind of accommodations will be provided if I get an exemption? Students may come to campus if they wear a mask at all times and complete weekly COVID-19 testing and provide the results. On a case-by-case basis, students may be able to attend online courses or Zoom into onsite courses when possible. However, this will be very limited and regulations prohibit remote instruction for international students.

7. What if I do not have a medical or religious exemption but choose not to get the vaccine for personal reasons? The vaccine is mandatory to come to any LCAD campuses. If you do not have an exemption, you cannot come to campus for any reason and may need to take a leave of absence. You may be able to revise your schedule to attend online courses. However, not all courses are available online which may impact your ability to complete your program at LCAD. We encourage you to speak with your advisor prior to making changes in your schedule.

8. What if I get an exemption and my courses are only available onsite? You can come to campus if you wear a mask at all times and complete weekly COVID-19 testing. If remote classes are not possible for you, you may need to take a leave of absence which will impact your ability to complete your program at LCAD. We encourage you to speak with your advisor prior to making changes in your schedule.

9. If I have an appointment to get my first vaccination, am I permitted on campus if I haven’t received the vaccination yet? No. You must provide documentation of at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccination to come to campus for any reason unless an exemption or deferral has been granted.

10. Does this policy apply to graduate students? Yes, this policy applies to all LCAD students, faculty, and staff who are coming to campus.

11. If I receive an exemption, where will I need to go for weekly COVID testing and who will pay for this? The College will pay for local weekly testing. Details will be provided with your exemption approval. Documentation of a negative test will be required weekly to come on campus.

12. Is this mandate for just the Fall semester? This mandate will be in place until further notice. 

13. Will I need to get boosters or annual shots? This policy is in place until further notice. LCAD will follow guidance from the medical community regarding boosters and annual shots.

14. What if I am pregnant? If you are pregnant, you may request a temporary deferral by filling out the medical exemption form.

15. What if I already had the COVID-19 virus? If you have already had the COVID-19 virus, you may request a temporary deferral of up to 90 days from when you were diagnosed. You will be asked to upload your positive COVID test in the attestation form.

16. I am immunocompromised and am worried about coming to campus, what should I do? LCAD complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the ADAAA, and state and local regulations regarding students and applicants with disabilities. Pursuant to these laws, no qualified individual with a disability shall unlawfully be denied access to or participation in any services, programs, or activities of LCAD. In carrying out this policy, the College recognizes that disabilities include mobility, sensory, health, psychological, and learning disabilities, and will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent that it is readily achievable to do so. During the COVID-19 pandemic, high risk individuals are also eligible for accommodations. The College is unable, however, to make accommodations that are unduly burdensome or that fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program, or activity and cannot guarantee that all courses will be available online.

According to the CDC, individuals with certain conditions may have a higher risk for COVID-19 infection. Those conditions may include:

• Older adults (aged 65 years and older)
• People with HIV
• Asthma (moderate-to-severe)
• Chronic lung disease
• Diabetes
• Serious heart conditions
• Chronic kidney disease being treated with dialysis
• Severe obesity
• Being immunocompromised

If you have concerns about returning to campus due to a medical condition that places you in a high-risk group or wish to seek ADA Reasonable Accommodations related to returning to campus for the fall 2021-2022 semester, please apply for accommodations by contacting our Disabilities Coordinator, Lisa Villanueva at: lvillanueva@lcad.edu

17. If I am coming from another country and do not have access to a vaccine yet, what should I do? You should arrange to get your first dose of the vaccine immediately upon coming into the country. Once you have one dose, you may come on campus. While on campus, you must wear a mask at all times and complete weekly COVID-19 testing and provide the results for two weeks after your final dose of the vaccine.

18. Are internationally approved vaccines accepted? Yes, if the vaccine is authorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) it will be accepted.

19. What are the consequences for not complying with this policy? The COVID-19 vaccination policy is mandatory. Students who choose to not get the vaccine and who do not receive an exemption or deferral may not attend any on campus activities or in person classes. Failure to comply is considered a Code of Conduct violation and will be subject to disciplinary action.

On-site testing is now available. Representatives from DLS labs are on campus testing students, faculty, and staff every week at the following times and locations:

• Sundays from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM outside the reception area on Main Campus (2222 Laguna Canyon Road); and
• Mondays from 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM outside the front desk of the Administration Building (2265 Laguna Canyon Road)

Students, faculty, and staff can pre-register for testing by visiting this link: https://labportal.coronainfo.com/pre-register/lcad