Cerritos College Board Adopts COVID-19 Vaccine-Only Policy Beginning Spring 2022

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 12, 2021

Media Contact: Miya Walker; Public Affairs

NORWALK, Calif. – October 12, 2021 – At its October 6 board meeting, the Cerritos College Board of Trustees adopted a vaccine-only policy requiring COVID-19 vaccination for all District employees, students, vendors, contractors, and visitors beginning January 3, 2022.

The new Board Policy 2905 (AP 2905) will take effect on January 3, 2022 and will remain effective until it is terminated by the Board of Trustees. Staff and students who cannot be vaccinated due to medical or religious reasons can apply for an exemption with proper documentation. Those who are granted a medical or religious exemption will be required to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing and submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test result to physically access any District facility. 

For the current fall 2021 semester, the District adopted Board Policy 2905 (AP 2905) on September 1 to require all students and employees to show proof of vaccination or commit to mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing to access campus, effective October 1, 2021.

“COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be safe and effective at reducing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. As we enter the fall, COVID-19 cases are expected to surge in our region, and we are committed to doing whatever we can to get ahead of it. A vaccine requirement is a necessary component of a comprehensive strategy to minimize exposure for students, faculty, and staff while on campus,” said James Cody Birkey, president of the Cerritos College Board of Trustees. “Campus safety remains a top priority.”

More information about COVID-19 campus policies can be found at www.cerritos.edu/covid-19

 

About Cerritos College: Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 180 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently averages 21,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at https://www.cerritos.edu.

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