Managing Editor Alex Ortuno
The COVID-19 omicron variant from the South African region that was discovered in late November became the dominant strain by Dec. 21 when 73% of national cases were from the newly found variant, according to the Associated Press.
On Dec. 28, 2021, Dallas County Health and Human Services raised its COVID Risk Assessment level to Red which urges more precaution and care, due to an increase of cases across the county.
At press time, Texas Health and Human Services announced that 44,036 new cases were reported in a single day and over 300,000 cases were reported in the previous week, a sharp increase in comparison to previous times.
This has prompted several new testing sites to be opened, including on several campuses of Dallas College such as North Lake, Mountain View and Richland.
Across the country and the state, many schools and universities are looking at the decision to either keep or close their doors due to the rapid spread of the omicron variant.
The University of Texas at Dallas announced classes will be online for the first two weeks of the spring semester due to a rise of COVID- 19 cases.
Dr. Sharon Davis, chief business continuity officer for Dallas College, said campuses will be open for the Spring 2022 semester.
“Our students truly thrive in a face-to-face instructional environment versus one that is virtual in nature. We believe this decision best aligns with our commitment to provide holistic support to all students – especially at a time when they are forced to balance their academic priorities with life’s basic needs,” Davis said.
Davis said that Dallas College is in constant contact with local and national health officials and is prepared to modify its stance if it is deemed necessary.
“While we continue to remain optimistic for a return to life without COVID, the new omicron variant is evidence that now is not the time to let our guard down. We are committed to providing guidelines and updating those guidelines to help mitigate COVID exposure on our campuses,” said Davis.
According to Davis, Dallas College adheres to guidance from the CDC and local health officials.
As the pandemic continues, legal conflicts occur between the state and those trying to place mask mandates.
On Dec. 1, an appeals court reinstated the mask mandate ban for schools from Gov. Greg Abbott, according to the Associated Press.
Despite the ruling from the appeals court, masks are still required to be worn by all employees, students and visitors in all Dallas College locations and events.
“Employees are responsible for providing their own masks; however, disposable masks are available at Information Central. Disposable masks should be discarded after use. It is highly recommended that individuals layer their masks or consider using a multi-layered mask such as N-94 or N-95,” Davis said.
In the fall semester of 2021, COVID- 19 vaccinations were offered at Richland Campus, but for the spring semester, none will be offered on campus.
COVID-19 testing will be provided in Parking Lot E but it is by appointment only.
While three of the Dallas College campuses are offering tests, only one is offering vaccines. “We also have partnered with Dallas County Health and Human Services to offer COVID- 19 vaccines at our Eastfield Campus,” said Davis.
While cases continue to rise and concerns of more spread are brought up, Davis said that Dallas College is prepared for remote operations if necessary.
“All Dallas College operations, including academic and student success departments, are prepared to pivot to a remote environment if the situation warrants. Dallas College continues to review and update contingency plans and stand ready to address changes in how we operate, as needed,” Davis said.
Safety measures that students and employees can take as cases rise throughout the county are to be vaccinated, according to Davis.
“Those who remain unvaccinated, should consider becoming fully vaccinated because of the protection that it provides students, teachers and colleagues. Booster shots are highly recommended,” said Davis.
Other measures including washing hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, wearing a mask that covers your mouth and nose, maintaining social distancing with 6 feet between others and monitoring your own health and isolating if symptoms occur.
If a student or employee receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, they are to complete the positive COVID-19 reporting form on eConnect and stay home and distanced from others until it is deemed safe for them to return to the public. The isolation period is five days for those who are infected with COVID-19, according to the CDC.
