Updated June 27, 2024
Masking & PPE
Face coverings that fit and filter well are an effective tool in reducing disease transmission.
Masking is optional for all students, employees, and contracted workers except in the following situations:
- Per the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), masking is required of individuals with a confirmed case of COVID-19 through Day 10 unless the individual meets the criteria to end isolation and obtains two sequential negative tests taken at least one day apart.
- Per LACDPH, close contacts who have been exposed to a positive case should mask through Day 10 after the last exposure.
- Masking may be required in the event of an outbreak.
Recommended face coverings should be medical-grade masks or respirators (KF94, KN95, N95). Face masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides of the face. Disposable face masks should be discarded in the trash after use. They should also be removed and replaced when they become moist or visibly dirty.
Whittier College will continue to provide masks for employees as required by Cal/OSHA. Please request masks from Human Resources.
Gloves
Gloves are not necessary for general use and do not replace good hygiene. Washing hands often is considered the best practice for common everyday tasks. Gloves may provide a false sense of security and a higher risk of cross-contamination. Misusing gloves poses a greater risk than not touching your face and washing your hands properly after completing a task.
Generally, if a task did not require gloves prior to the pandemic, gloves are not required now. If a task (e.g., laboratory) required a specific type of gloves as PPE prior to the pandemic, those requirements remain in place. Staff from the Health Center, Food Service, Athletics, Broadoaks School, and custodial staff will continue using and procuring disposable gloves according to their normal procedures.
Cleaning & Disinfecting
Whittier College, in collaboration with custodial services provider Flagship, cleans and disinfects administrative, academic, and residential buildings with products and practices recommended by the CDC. Cleaning high touch surfaces and shared objects once a day is usually enough to sufficiently remove viruses that may be on surfaces unless someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 has been in the facility. The Student Health & Wellness Center receives enhanced cleaning and disinfection as does the Campus Inn for food service staff.
Coughing/Sneezing Hygiene
When in a setting without a face covering, individuals should remember to always cover the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or use the inside of the elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash. After sneezing, individuals should immediately wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, they should clean their hands with hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
If wearing a face covering while sneezing/coughing and the face covering becomes contaminated with mucus, individuals should change the mask and launder it. If wearing a disposable mask, throw the contaminated mask in the trash and replace it.
Handwashing
Everyone should wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom; before eating; when hands are visibly dirty; and after blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Whittier College has added hand sanitizer dispensers near entryways and building restrooms. All hand sanitizer and hand soap dispensers are checked regularly by Facilities and refilled as necessary.
Positive Case Self-Report Requirement
Students, employees, and contracted workers are required to report a positive COVID-19 result or diagnosis to comply with the LA County Department of Public Health COVID-19 and Acute Respiratory Illness Guidelines for Education Settings and Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Standards. Individuals should use the appropriate online report form to aid the College in containing the spread of infection. See Forms & Resources.
Support for Persons at Greater Risk for COVID-19
Whittier College recognizes that some members of our community may be at greater risk for COVID-19 or may live in a household with someone who is at increased risk. Please consult CDC Guidelines regarding people who should take extra precautions and the conditions that may increase risk of severe illness. Students or employees seeking accommodation should contact Student Accessibility Services or Human Resources respectively.
Ventilation & Filtration
The Facilities Department has evaluated the operation of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 through airborne exposure. The College is following guidance from the State and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) regarding maintenance and system modifications to maximize ventilation and filtration.
Keep windows and other sources of natural ventilation open to the greatest extent possible when weather and air quality conditions allow. Do not open windows and doors if doing so poses a safety or health risk to anyone using the facility.
Consult with Facilities before using fans to increase the effectiveness of open windows. Inappropriate placement of fans could potentially cause contaminated air to flow directly from one person to another. For buildings with both operable windows and mechanical ventilation systems, the interactions between the two need to be carefully considered.
According to State guidance, ceiling fans do not bring additional fresh air into an indoor space and are not considered to be equivalent to fresh air ventilation. Therefore, ceiling fans should remain off unless necessary for temperature regulation and the comfort of occupants.
