Face Masks

Are face masks required in the classroom or other building on campus in spring quarter? Face masks are encouraged to be worn inside buildings, but not normally required. (see the two exceptions below)

When would a face mask be required?

If you have currently completed 5 days of isolation for COVID-19 and are returning to campus. A face mask is required on days 6-10.
If COVID-19 conditions return to high levels of transmission and hospitalizations the college will follow WA DOH guidance and reinstitute the face mask requirement.

Should I consider wearing a face mask? Yes. Everyone should evaluate if continuing to wear a face mask is the best decision for them. Some individuals may decide to wear a face mask when doing group work in the classroom or in crowded areas of campus (especially during the first two weeks of the quarter when there may be long lines in the bookstore and building 6), others may decide to wear a face mask whenever they are inside buildings on campus throughout the quarter.

Individuals who are immunocompromised, medically fragile and/or otherwise high risk for severe disease should consult their health care provider about whether or not to continue wearing face masks.

What type of face mask should I choose? The COVID-19 variants spread very easily, and cloth face masks are no longer as effective. Consider instead wearing a well-fitting mask such as KN95, KF94 or N95 mask, in addition a surgical face mask worn under a cloth face mask can be effective. Additional information on ways to protect yourself with a well-fitted/higher-level face mask and ensure your mask fits properly is found at: Masks and Respirators (cdc.gov) and Improve How Your Mask Protects You | CDC

Are disposable surgical face masks(to be worn under a cloth face mask) or KN95 masks available on campus? Yes. Public Safety in building 6 or in the entrance of the library, building 6 and 8.

If I decide to wear or not wear a face mask is this right protected? Yes.Harassing or bullying any individual for exercising their right to wear or not wear a face mask would be considered a violation of Highline College’s Student Conduct Code (WAC 132I-126-100-4) and should be reported to the Office of Community Standards and Student Conduct.

Can a faculty member suggest face masks be worn in the classroom? Yes. Faculty can suggest face masks be worn. At the current level of transmission/hospitalization face masks are not required for students in the classroom, students can decide if they want to wear a face mask.

Are students with COVID-19 vaccination accommodations required to have a weekly COVID-19 test or wear a face mask in the classroom? No. Wearing a well-fitted (or high-level) face mask is recommended as unvaccinated individuals are at higher risk of serious illness from the COVID-19 virus.

Food/Drink

Is food/drink allowed in the classroom? It is up to the faculty to decide for their classroom. An exception to this would be classrooms designated as labs where food/drink is not normally allowed.

Food/drink will also be available in areas throughout many parts of campus. Please check with areas if you are unsure.

Social Distancing

Do I need to socially distance from others? No. As a vaccinated campus (that allows exemptions) we are not required to socially distance, this includes classrooms.

Hand-Sanitizer

Provided in entrances of buildings.

Disinfectant Spray and Paper Towels

Available to have in classrooms upon request.

Meetings

Can I meet with faculty in their office? Please check with your faculty regarding in-person and Zoom options for meetings. Faculty offices are small and face masks are suggested.

COVID-19

I have COVID-19 symptoms, what should I do? To help prevent the spread of the virus you are asked to not come to class, a COVID-19 test is recommended. Please follow the requirements of your course syllabus when missing a class.

Is COVID-19 testing available? Yes. COVID-19 testing is available on the campus, in addition to several locations throughout the community.

Will a COVID-19 test be required to come back to the classroom after having missed due to COVID-19 symptoms? No.

I have had a COVID-19 positive test, can I come to campus? No. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate and cannot come on campus. If the individual has been on campus within the last week they are asked to report this information to the COVID-19 case investigation team using an online form.

To return to campus individuals must complete the isolation period. The isolation period is ten full days from start of symptoms or date of positive test. Individuals may return to campus after 5 days of isolation if:

Symptoms have improved or asymptomatic, AND
Without a fever for past 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medications.

AND if returning to campus days 6-10, the individual is required to:

Wear a KN95 facemask or other well-fitting face mask*, OR
Test negative with an antigen or at-home test any day after day five before returning without a mask. Testing beyond day ten is not necessary.

If the individual is not able to wear a well-fitted face mask, AND does not test negative, they are required to continue isolation through the end of their isolation period.

*Cloth face mask is not acceptable, the face mask must be a well-fitted mask or high-level mask such as a KN95, N95, KF84 or a surgical face mask worn under a cloth face mask. Students who do not follow the requirements are not allowed in the classroom.

Can my instructor ask for proof of my positive COVID-19 test if I have had to miss class to complete isolation? Yes.

Increasing COVID-19 Levels

What happens if the transmission and hospitalization rates enter the high level? We are working with the WA DOH and KC Public Health to monitor the situation and will follow the guidance provided for higher education. This may require the reimplementation of a face mask requirement during spring quarter. The campus will be kept updated as we follow this closely throughout spring quarter.

Complete Spring Quarter COVID-19 Safety Plan

2021-2022 COVID-19 Safety Plan for Spring Quarter is located on the Highline College website with additional information.

Questions?

Send questions to COVID19response@highline.edu