The VHCTI Covid Safety Policy
In light of the rapidly changing guidance regarding COVID-19, the information in this policy is subject to change. VHCTI will communicate substantive changes to this policy to students and staff.
1. Face Coverings/Masks
VHCTI requires unvaccinated students and staff to wear face coverings indoors, including during classes, clinicals, and lab sessions. Masks are not required for vaccinated individuals. As VHCTI continues to monitor health conditions throughout the year, adjustments to the masking policy may be made accordingly.
2. Vaccinations
Vaccination remains the leading prevention strategy to protect individuals from COVID-19 and end the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccine significantly reduces the potential of severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are safe and effective.
Pursuant to state law, the Alabama Community College System and its colleges will not mandate the COVID vaccine as a condition of attendance or employment, but vaccinations and booster shots are strongly encouraged for all students, faculty, and staff.
A student may request a religious and/or medical exemption by submitting the Vaccination/Immunization Waiver Form (Appendix A). Any questions concerning the waiver process should be directed to Dr. Stephanie Collins or Dr. Jacqueline Gonner.
3. Symptoms
To assist in promoting health for the community, VHCTI asks that each student contact Dr. Stephanie Collins or Dr. Jacqueline Gonner if any of the following symptoms are present:
- Fever (as indicated by a temperature of 100.1° or higher in the past 72 hours)
- Chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. VHCTI will continue to update this list in accordance with CDC guidance. Students are also encouraged to visit the CDC website for updates. If symptoms occur, a student should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms their symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.
4. Positive Test
A student who tests positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, shall:
- First, stay home for 5 days. If the student has a fever, they should stay home until the fever resolves.
- Then, if the student has no symptoms or if symptoms have resolved after 5 days, the student may return to VHCTI. The student should test, if possible, prior to resuming VHCTI activities.
5. Exposure
In the event of exposure to COVID-19 or close contact (within 6 feet for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) of a COVID-19-positive person:
- A person who is fully vaccinated within the last 6 months or has been boosted shall:
- Test on day 5, if possible; and
- Continue to monitor symptoms and comply with all masking and/or
distancing policies.
- A person who (a) is unvaccinated or (b) was fully vaccinated over 6 months ago and is not boosted shall:
- Stay home for 5 days;
- Test on day 5, if possible; and
- Continue to monitor symptoms and comply with all masking and/or distancing policies.
6. Clinicals and Other Off-Campus Sites
In addition to the above policies, students will comply with the COVID policies of all off-campus sites, including but not limited to clinicals, while present at those sites as a part of the CNA Program.