Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

College of the Siskiyous is open to the public. We continue to monitor potential COVID cases, including reporting of employees and students with exposures or illness and quarantines.

On June 15, California reopened its economy after more than a year of COVID-19 restrictions. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) relaxed its masking and distancing guidelines for all Californians, especially those who are fully-vaccinated against COVID-19, which brought California into alignment with the recommendations set forth in May 2021 by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Siskiyous COVID-19 Mask Guidelines and Safety Protocols

After careful monitoring and review of this new guidance from the local and national agencies, College of the Siskiyous leadership in consultation with constituency groups is revising our college guidelines and safety protocols as follows:

• As a result of the increase in positive COVID cases and, after receiving feedback from SCPH and constituent groups, we are reverting back to our previous protocol which requires all individuals to wear a mask indoors (regardless of vaccination status).
• This new guidance will be effective starting Thursday, August 12. Masks may be removed if alone in an office or while actively eating or drinking. We expect those who are working alone in the office will put their mask on when being visited by an already masked individual.
• Since Athletes are tested weekly, Athletes will not be required to wear masks during indoor competitions and training, but indoor spectators will be required.
• Social/physical distancing requirements have been removed, with the exception of major outbreaks.
• Students and employees need to wear face coverings when in vehicles with more than one person.
• N95 masks will be available for those that would like one upon request.
• When necessary, employees may get tested for COVID during work hours.
• The HealthScan app is still required for all students and employees as well as Athletic personnel and students. The Athletic Department will be conducting their own check-in procedures. Students and employees who do not have a smart phone and/or who do not wish to download the app can check-in at one of the locations listed here: Weed Campus - Human Resources, Academic Affairs, TRiO, or Basecamp. Yreka Campus - Welcome Center. After 4:30 pm students can check-in at Basecamp HQ.
• The College continues to promote vaccinations, social distancing, extra cleaning and use of physical barriers.

These updated safety protocols are effective Thursday, August 12 and will be widely communicated via our website, COS Connect and social media sites. An easy-to-read mask guidance flyer can be accessed here.

Siskiyous COVID-19 Resources

College of the Siskiyous is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all our employees, students, visitors, and helping protect the communities we serve. Please see the September 2021 Covid-19 Prevention Plan below for guidance.

• September 2021 COVID-19 Prevention Plan

The Siskiyou Joint Community College District has developed this formal Injury and Illness Prevention Program to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for all District employees. The Injury and Illness Prevention Program is intended to standardize various safety programs and procedures into one effective, uniform program and to ensure compliance with State and Federal safety regulations.

• Injury Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP)
• COVID-19 IIPP Addendum

This form is to be used by employees that have identified hazards not previously recognized. This form brings the hazard to the attention of the management.

• Unsafe Conditions Reporting Form

The College follows directives as set forth by Siskiyou County Public Health and Cal/OSHA:

• Siskiyou County Public Health provides updates on the County's active COVID-19 cases as well as COVID-19 vaccine and test information.
• Cal/OSHA provides more comprehensive guidance for protecting workers on their Cal/OSHA Interim General Guidelines on Protecting Workers from COVID-19 webpage.
• The California Department of Public Health and Cal/OSHA has additional relevant guidance for institutions of higher education including, but not limited to, fitness facilities, retail and childcare.

Emergency Alerts

All currently registered students and employees are encouraged to sign up for COS Connect, a free messaging service used by the college to send out campus updates, general information, and emergency alerts. Visit this page to sign up.