Fullerton College learned that a student attending an in-person lab class tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, February 17. When they last attended class, the student was asymptomatic and wore a face covering at all times in accordance with CDC guidelines. However, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines “exposure criteria” as having close contact (within six feet) with an individual with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes.
After conducting contact tracing based on these guidelines, it was determined that two additional students may have been exposed. They were notified and are self-quarantining at home. These two students will be tested and will be able to return to class pending negative test results.
While the level of risk to the rest of the class, which includes seven other students and the instructor, was not considered “exposed” by CDC definition, they have received a “low risk” notification, and advised to self-isolate and pursue a test if they develop symptoms. The risk from developing coronavirus infection from this type of exposure is low, however, individuals should monitor themselves for symptoms of infection for 14 days after this exposure.
Fullerton College releases information about on-campus COVID exposures on Fridays if an exposure occurred in the week prior. In the event anyone is directly impacted by an exposure or a potential exposure on campus, they will receive guidance from the college before and apart from the public announcements.
Total Confirmed, On-campus COVID-19 Positive Students since Spring 2020: 15
Safety Measures in Place
Fullerton College introduced new COVID-19 procedures for students taking in-person spring classes on January 25. Students are now required to take a health self-assessment, available on the Fullerton College Mobile app, and have their temperature taken before starting their class. This is required each day they attend a class.
Nearly 700 students have taken the self-assessment more than 13,000 times since the spring semester began. The screening process prevented two known exposures from occurring. However, as this week’s exposure shows, people may be asymptomatic. Given that, face coverings are required and social distancing is recommended at all times. Read more on the health-screening process by visiting the COVID-19 website.
Students are encouraged to utilize the Fullerton College Health Center. The center provides virtual service due to COVID-19. Medical staff are available by phone 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to answer questions and provide referrals. The Fullerton College Health Center Advice Line is (714) 992-7093. Please leave a message if your call is not answered; all messages will be answered as soon as possible.
Virtual Mental Health Counseling is also available through the Fullerton College Health Center by calling (714) 992-7093.