Phase 5.2 Communication Plan

On August 26, 2021 Governor JB Pritzker’s office issued Executive Order 2021-20. This executive order, in part, requires all Higher Education sites in the state of Illinois must now require all Higher Education Personnel and Students to either be vaccinated or submit to weekly COVID-19 testing. Higher Education Personnel includes full-time, part-time, volunteer and contractors who are in close contact with other persons on campus or in a campus affiliated building or location for more than 15 minutes in a one week period.  Higher Education Student are all students of the college to include part-time, continuing education, adult education, center for learning in retirement, and another other student who might attend any in person training or class.

All students and personnel must submit proof of vaccination consisting of (1) a vaccination record card or photograph of the card; (2) documentation of vaccination from a health care provider or electronic health record; or (3) state immunization records. In addition, if the individual does not provide the proof of vaccination they must submit weekly to COVID-19 testing and submit proof of compliance.

Therefore, Rock Valley College will require all employees and students, who are not completing online, to upload their proof of vaccination or results of weekly testing into a new technology platform. This platform in under rapid development and will be functional in the very near future.

All students and employees should monitor the Rock Valley College COVID-19 website for additional information and updates.

Per Executive Order 2021-22, and in consultation with the Winnebago County Health Department, any individual who tests positive for COVID-19 and has completed the proper isolation period, and is symptom free, shall be allowed to return to any RVC campus. If unvaccinated the individual will still be required to test weekly; however, it is understood that the individual may still return a positive result for up to 90 days after initial infection. These individuals will be monitored through the RVC contract tracing team. This also applies to visitors or spectators who have tested positive but have proof their infection date was at least 14 days prior to event date or can produce a return to normal activity notification from their local health department. All individuals must be symptom free at the time of the event.

Individuals wishing to complete the contract tracing form can follow the link listed for each event on the RVC or event website or utilizing QR codes located at the events.

Phase 5.2

• RVC may implement additional restrictions if there is any change in status that results from state/local/CDC guidelines, if employees and/or students test positive after being in contact with other employees or students, or if rates of community spread increase in the area.
• RVC is working to return the college to normal operations while still mitigating the risk and still utilizing proper cleaning, respiratory protection and hand hygiene.
• These guidelines apply to ALL grant and non-grant employees as well as all students and visitors.
• Signage will be placed at all entrances reminding all individuals to wear a mask when inside any RVC building

• This phase has seen the return of students, and 100 percent of employees.
• Protective shielding will remain in place where deployed.
• All employees and students will be allowed to visit offices during normal business hours.
• Employees and students will be requested to complete the self-observation questionnaire before entering any RVC building.  Submission of the questionnaire will not be required. It is a measure put in place to protect yourself and others.
• Employees and students are encouraged check their temperature before coming to the College campus; however, for those employees and students who do not have a thermometer, locations (see map) will be set up in each building for them to do so. Employees and students who have not checked their temperature should enter through a designated door for their building and utilize temperature measuring station.
  • Employee and students should wipe off touchless thermometer before each use utilizing sanitizer.
  • Employee and students will measure personal temperature utilizing the touchless thermometer.

If temperature is above 100.4 degrees F conduct a second reading of temperature.

• If temperature is still above 100.4 utilize cleaning disinfectant, clean off thermometer and door handles as you exit building.
• Return to vehicle, contact supervisor, and do not return to work or school.

Below 100.4 degrees

• Employee or student wipes off thermometer utilizing cleaning disinfectant.
• Employee or student wipes hand off with hand sanitizer.
• Employee and student continue into building.

It is highly recommended the employee or student goes to restroom and washes hands utilizing CDC recommended hand washing standards before entering their personal work or classroom area.

Rock Valley College strongly encourages employees, students and visitors to continue to self-report if they test positive for COVID-19 by using the following Rock Valley College web pages:

• Students/Employees: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?RockValleyCollege&layout_id=8
• Visitors:  https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?RockValleyCollege&layout_id=7

• All employees, students, and guests regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask or appropriate PPE device and make every effort to maintain proper social distancing of at least six feet when possible.
• In general Zoom meetings or other virtual meetings should be utilized for any size meeting.
• Groups visiting any of the Rock Valley College campuses, will be asked to complete a visitor log in order to contact the visitor should a positive case occur that the visitor may have encountered. If this interaction occurs, the visitor(s) will be contacted by the Winnebago County Health Department.

• All individuals, regardless of vaccination status, shall wear a mask whenever they are inside any RVC owned or leased property, per CDC recommendations.
• All individuals, regardless of vaccination status, shall wear a mask whenever they are outside on any RVC owned or leased property, and are unable to maintain 6 feet or social distancing or any event with over 50 people in attendance. No event with an attendance over 250 people will be allowed.
• Employees, students, and guests can wear cloth or homemade masks while at RVC. Masks must not include images or text that is threatening, obscene, or otherwise illegal or contrary to College policies.
• All students and employees are to bring their own face mask to use while on any RVC property. Face masks will be provided by RVC for employees, students, and guests who need a mask and did not bring their own.
• On Main campus, masks will be available at the Student Center Information Desk for pick up. Students, employees, or visitors should utilize the mask for one day and then dispose of the mask.
• Non-main campus buildings will have a designated location or person who will distribute RVC provided face masks.
• Employees, students, and guests, regardless of vaccination status, need to wear masks while walking in hallways or other interior areas of the buildings.
• Employees who have offices may require a visitor to the office to wear a mask.
• Employees who have a private office or are able to maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing are allowed to work without a mask. However, at any point they must be ready to apply a mask should the 6 ft. social distancing is not maintained.
• Employees and students who are unable to wear a mask due to a documented medical need will need to request an ADA accommodation with the Disability Support Services Office.
• Masks must cover both mouth and nose.
   

Employee Failure to Comply with PPE Guidelines and other requirements.

Employees who fail to comply with the PPE Guidelines or other requirements will be subject to discipline though the Human Resources Department office and may be required to leave the campus until compliance is regained.

Student Failure to Comply with PPE Guidelines and other requirements.

Students who fail to comply with the PPE Guidelines or other requirements will be subject to discipline though the Dean’s office under the Student Code of Ethics or General Guidance on Mask Usage.

• Disinfectant will be provided for employees allowing employees to voluntarily assist in disinfecting common areas during the day to supplement normal cleaning and disinfecting done by the cleaning crew.
• Disinfectant will be available in each classroom to allow for students or employees to voluntary clean their respective workspace.
• Hand sanitizers will be placed throughout each office area and in each building.
• Additional cleaners will be utilized to clean common surfaces during the day.
• Regular spraying of rooms will continue with the Clorox 360.

• Employees, students, and visitors must remain home if not feeling well for any reason and will be sent home if they are not feeling well while at any college campus.
• Once you begin your day, continue to observe yourself for any changes such as fever, coughing and/or difficulty breathing.
• If your condition changes while at campus or you suspect someone else is symptomatic of COVID-19 contact the RVC Police who will follow the policy on Communicable Diseases utilizing the guidelines listed in the Communicable Diseases Administrative Procedure.
• Employees and students who are not symptomatic but have a sick family member at home who is confirmed to have COVID-19 should monitor their symptoms.
• If an employee or student tests positive for COVID-19 they should notify their supervisor or instructor immediately and not come to campus. The employee or student should then complete the online covid reporting form.
• Supervisors and instructors should immediately direct the employee or student to the RVC web page covid reporting link (link available on page 4 of this document) regarding an employee or student who tests positive. This will allow RVC to make the necessary investigations and contact the Winnebago County Health Department (WCHD) quicker for guidance if needed.
• Working with the WCHD, RVC will determine if any other employees or students who may have had close contact with the COVID-19 individual should be contacted and asked to quarantine.
• Employees or students who are deemed by the WCHD as exposed will be given guidelines by WCHD to isolate at home. Because individuals who come to campus can travel from other counties to RVC campuses this information may be transferred or originate from a different county health department.
• If after 10 days of quarantine, the exposed employee or student has no COVID- symptoms and/or a negative COVID-19 test, they may return to campus with documentation from the health department or healthcare provider.
• The College will deep clean areas in which the employee or student worked, studied, or frequented, as necessary. This could potentially involve temporarily moving other employees or classrooms to a different part of the campus or transition to working/teaching remotely, as needed.
• People who are fully vaccinated can also refrain from quarantine following a known exposure if asymptomatic, facilitating continued participation in in-person learning and sports.

• Room layout –   Classroom and lab layouts will return to normal. ALL Individuals, regardless of vaccination status, must continue to wear a mask or other appropriate PPE device inside any RVC building.
  • Lecturing –Instructors may move about the room freely while masked. Any instructors who wish to remove their mask, should REMAIN inside a marked six-foot area and can remove their mask. Once you step outside the designated six-foot area you MUST wear your mask. (i.e., Winnebago County Health Department Covid Press Conference where speakers remove their masks while speaking at podium and replace mask when done). No students are allowed in this area during an unmasked lecture.
  •  Students –Social distancing is no longer in effect and students may sit or move about the room as needed.

• Students and visitors will be allowed on campus and exterior doors to buildings will be open.
• All drinking fountains and water dispensers will be tested and turned on.
• Student Fitness Center will be open for normal business hours.
  • Individuals who use the fitness center must wipe-down equipment before and after each use as required.  Masks must be worn while in the fitness center but may be removed while working out on cardio equipment.
• Outside walking paths are open
• Food service vendors will be allowed to open at their own discretion but will be required to implement personal safety procedures.
• Department refrigerators and microwaves will be allowed back into the department for use.
• Vending machines will be allowed to open at the vendor’s discretion.
• The bookstore will be allowed to open normally to customers.

• College Library will be fully available (normal operations) to students and visitors.
• Students, who are utilizing the Library,  and have a private study space or are able to maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing are allowed to work without a mask. However, at any point they must be ready to apply a mask should the 6 ft. social distancing is not maintained.
• Advising and Financial Aid will be available fully to students.
• Tutoring and testing will resume to students.

• All persons should provide adequate space between one another when eating together.
• Delivery of food will be allowed.
• Use of communal or departmental refrigerators and microwaves will be allowed but individuals should not share food from the same dish.
• Employee should only touch their items inside the refrigerator.
• Employees should wipe down communal amenities after each usage.
• Group orders of pizza, donuts, or other like items is not allowed for both students and employees. Please utilize boxed lunches, food trucks or plated meals. Reduce seating capacity if a large number of people will be gathered together for eating.
• Any food for events will continue to be in “box lunch” format, food trucks or plated meals.

• College sponsored events, whether on campus or off campus, must follow RVC, IBHE, IDPH and CDC guidelines for higher education regarding meals and personal hygiene safety.
• Events will be encouraged to be held outdoors.
• Rental or usage of college facilities by outside organizations is allowed if the RVC guidelines are followed for Phase 5.2. Critical exceptions can be approved by the College president.
• Non-vaccinated individuals should avoid large gatherings.
• Any organization utilizing RVC locations shall be required to fill out a contract tracing documentation which will list the names and telephone numbers of each individual who is attending the event. In addition, the organization shall attest on this document that all individuals, who are listed and attending the event, have been fully vaccinated or have a valid COVID test result, two to three days prior to the event,  indicating they are not positive with COVID-19.
• All events, indoors or outdoors, must wear masks at all times. 
• Any events over 250, indoors or outdoors, will require prior approval from the President of Rock Valley College.

• Travel for College business will be allowed and must be approved by the appropriate Leadership.
• Individuals traveling should covid test 2-3 days prior to departure and again upon return for the safety of the campus. Testing can be done for free at the ERC front lobby.  Please see the RVC web page for hours of operation.
• International travelers should follow CDC guidance located at:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html

• Employees who have a private office or are able to maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing are allowed to work without a mask. However, at any point they must be ready to apply a mask should the 6 ft. social distancing is not maintained.
• Employees who have offices should require a visitor to the office to wear a mask.
• For workstations or check in locations, where student or visitor interaction occurs (reception desk, SC information desk, accounts receivable, financial aid, records, etc.) the employees will be provided with hand sanitizer.
  • Plexiglass screens will remain in place to separate the students/visitors from employees.

• Employees should avoid sharing workstations.
• When sharing of workstations is unavoidable, employees should wipe down the workstations before and after each use.

• Conference Rooms
  • Disinfectant will be available to allow employees to wipe down their seating location and work surface.
• Computer Labs
  • Disinfectant will be available to allow students to wipe down their seating location and work surface.
• Program Labs
  • Program Labs will be sanitized by cleaners before the classroom is re-utilized.
• Clinical work and specialized units
  • Each division that requires clinical work or specialized training (for example, dental hygiene, aviation, nursing, massage therapy and other similar programs) shall develop and submit a detailed plan on how they will meet the RVC, IBHE, IDPH/CDC standards relating to COVID-19 during Phase 5.1 within their specific disciplines. This plan shall be submitted to their appropriate Vice President to be shared with Executive Leadership and RVC Police Department. (Send a copy of the plan for approval to t.james@rockvalleycollege.edu)

• Use of common areas will re-open. It is strongly encouraged to prevent/decrease mixing among non-cohort people who are not fully vaccinated. Appropriate social distancing is encouraged for persons who choose to utilize a common area.
• Individuals, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask or appropriate PPE.
• These areas will be added to the Clorox 360 disinfectant spray routine.
• Cleaners will work to wipe down these areas with disinfectant during college operation hours.

• Recruiting for Athletics has been allowed to resume.
• Fans for indoor sporting events shall wear masks when indoors.
• Athletes are required to thoroughly clean equipment with supplied disinfectant after each use.
• Athletes will be allowed to practice in accordance with local health department, IDPH, NJCAA and Region 4 guidelines.
• Indoor athletic events will continue, as allowed by local health departments, IDPH, IBHE, the NJCAA and Region 4 guidelines.
  • Indoor athletics will wear masks regardless of vaccination status.
• Outdoor athletic events will continue, as allowed by local health departments, IDPH, IBHE, the NJCAA and Region 4 guidelines.
• Team travel will be allowed. 
  • Testing should occur 2-3 days prior to travel and again upon return.
• Fitness Center will resume normal operational hours.
  • Masks will be worn while in the fitness center except while on cardio equipment.
• People who are fully vaccinated can also refrain from quarantine following a known exposure if asymptomatic, facilitating continued participation in in-person learning and sports.
• Any spectator using RVC locations shall be required to fill out contract tracing documentation which will list their name and telephone number of each spectator who is attending the event. In addition, the spectator shall attest on this document that they have been fully vaccinated or have a valid COVID test result, two to three days prior to the event, indicating they are not positive with COVID-19 or meet the positive result exemption listed on page 4 of the Phase 5.2 Fall 2021 Plan.

• In person meetings of Rock Valley College student clubs will be allowed to resume. If meeting outdoors, masks are not needed if social distancing can be maintained, but if the meeting is indoors masks must be worn by anyone regardless of vaccination status.
• Any student club found in violation of the masking guidelines could lose their ability to have in person meetings.
• Student events, whether on campus or off campus, must be approved by appropriate vice president.
• Non-vaccinated individuals should avoid large gathering events.

Music Guidance

Persons playing instruments in orchestra, band, or general music settings, singing in choir or other lessons, dancing, participating in color guard, or teaching should wear a washable or disposable, multi-layered face covering or mask. Students who play wind instruments can use face coverings with a slit. Face coverings should only be removed while outdoors when social distance is maintained.

Theater Guidance

Display signage at entry with face covering requirements.

For live performances, all individuals should try to maintain 6-ft. of social distancing unless job duty cannot be performed without proximity (e.g., actors performing, hair, costumes, etc.) and should wear face coverings (e.g., string musicians in orchestra).