California Ends COVID-19 State of Emergency
On February 28, 2023, and after nearly three years, Governor Gavin Newsom ended the COVID-19 State of Emergency. We can all take a collective sigh of relief as we transition to a new era of the global pandemic! At this time, it is useful to remember the relief and support that the State of Emergency provided to the State, community, and District. It is also important to be reminded of those items that we must continue to do to comply with various laws and regulations that will remain in place for the next year or so.
The State of Emergency framework resulted in:
- 81 million vaccines administered
- The prevention of countless thousands of deaths and hospitalizations
- A billion units of PPE and 186 million tests distributed
- Billions of dollars in stimulus to support frontline workers, hospitals, and schools
- 40 billion dollars in stimulus – rent relief, direct payments, and business grants and tax relief
The lifting of the State of Emergency will wind down these programs and is a direct recognition of the progress we have made as a state and as a community in combating COVID-19. While these programs are parting, other programs remain in place and include:
- Continued contact tracing for employees.
- Adherence to
- Continued Cal-OSHA COVID-19 regulations
- Continued mask wearing in certain settings such as healthcare and long-term care and adult senior care
Continued Requirements for COVID reporting for Employees
Please remember that COVID reporting procedures are still required under state laws and regulations and remain fully in place for employees until January 1, 2024. The links below will provide you with the proper procedures:
Free COVID-19 Testing
Effective until March 31, 2023
All employees and students who wish to make use of the free onsite testing option may visit one of the vending machines, which are located on each college campus and the district office at:
- Fresno City College – Cafeteria/Student Activities entrance
- Clovis Community College – Academic Center 1/Main entrance
- Reedley College – Student Center/Main entrance
- Madera Community College – Administration Building/SE entrance
- Oakhurst CC Center – Room OC6
- District Office – 6th Floor/Outside Environmental Health & Safety Office
At each vending machine location, you will find instructions on how to use the machine, receive and register your test, and submit your test. Your test kit must be registered to receive your results. You will need a smart phone or mobile device to scan the QR code and log into your PNC account to use the vending machine. Please be sure to watch for more detailed instructions. Here are additional .
Very important: Tests can only be submitted between the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday – Wednesday, and 8:00 am to noon on Thursday. This ensures that the samples reach the laboratory for analysis within 56 hours of sample collection.
Test results will still be available the same way as they are now through the Point and Click (PNC) system. Remember, you cannot eat or drink anything, smoke, floss, use mouthwash, brush your teeth, or chew gum within 60 minutes prior to taking the test. Those who are symptomatic are encouraged to test elsewhere and not come on site.
Effective April 1, 2023
The COVID-19 test vending machines will be discontinued. However, free self-administered, take-home COVID-19 test kits are available to employees at the following locations:
- Fresno City College – Student Health Services Office
- Clovis Community College – Student Health Services Office
- Reedley College – Student Health Services Office
- Madera Community College – Vice President of Administrative Services Office
- District Office – 7th Floor Human Resources Office
We appreciate all you have done to help keep our campuses and communities safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Dr. Carole Goldsmith
Chancellor
