Following the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health authorities, Santa Fe College announced on Friday, May 21, that outdoor mask wearing for the college community and visitors to any SF location would be optional effective immediately. Indoor mask requirements would expire at the start of Summer B – Monday, June 28, 2021. Despite this change in the college’s COVID-19 protocols, there are a number of things to keep in mind.
Respect each other. If someone has or has not been vaccinated, that is their personal choice. Please don’t ask students or employees of the college if they have been vaccinated. If you are asked by someone if you have been vaccinated, you are under no obligation to answer them. Some people are excited to remove their masks, while others are less comfortable. Understand that although we have gone through this pandemic together, everyone’s journey has been different. Give each other the time, consideration and respect you would want given to you.
Hold your health in high regard. Although the college recognizes the benefits of vaccination, we also understand that some people are still uncomfortable about the COVID vaccine. Anyone getting the vaccine should remember that you are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two weeks after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. As we continue to ramp up student services and instruction on the Northwest Campus and our educational centers, everyone should take the precautions they feel are necessary to protect their health. By each of us doing our part to protect ourselves, we will also protect the college community.
Stay Safe, Saints! Visit the CDC website for the latest guidance on COVID-19. For vaccine information, call the Alachua County Health Department at 352-334-7900 or the Bradford County Health Department at 904-964-7732. For counties outside SF’s service district, visit floridahealth.gov/all-county-locations.html.
Remember, we’re all still Saints!