Message sent via email to all LSSC faculty, staff, and students from Dr. Stan Sidor, President
Lakehawks,
It’s hard to believe that a year ago, we had finished our Spring 2020 semester that was quickly transitioned to fully online. We have been through a lot since then, but I’m proud that we’ve worked together as a community to stay Lakehawk Strong.
I’m writing today to share with you an update on continued changes related to COVID-19.
COVID-19 Guidelines on Campus
We are encouraged that COVID-19 case numbers are declining locally and that vaccination rates are growing. With these positive trends in mind, the College’s Emergency Management Team will continue to review the latest science from the CDC and other leading experts to determine when and how to loosen and eliminate any COVID-19 restrictions.
Beginning Monday, May 17, LSSC will move to a mask encouraged (optional) policy. We still encourage practicing physical/social distancing when in public spaces.
I am hopeful that by fall semester we will be returning to our campuses in ways that we are more used to and holding larger events. We remain committed to the health and safety of our students, employees, and community visitors as our top priority.
Staying vigilant and following personal health recommendations, such as regular handwashing, are still important in our daily lives.
Please remember to monitor yourself for symptoms and stay home from work if you are not feeling well. Report any direct exposure to a positive case, or your own positive case at www.lssc.edu/covid19report.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
All Lakehawks are encouraged to do their part to Protect the Nest by getting a COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others. We will continue to work with the Florida Department of Health in Lake and Sumter Counties to offer on-campus vaccination sites. Please watch your email and other official College outlets for information on upcoming events.
State Actions on COVID-19
I also want to address any questions you may have regarding recent executive actions and legislation and their impact on our College. Governor DeSantis’ recent executive orders, 21-101 and 21-102, impact county and local governments but do not impact the Florida College System or K-12 school systems.
- Executive Order 21-101 invalidates all remaining local emergency orders based on the COVID-19 emergency. This means that Lake and Sumter counties will no longer have any active local emergency declaration orders pertaining to COVID-19. This order takes effect on July 1, 2021.
- Executive Order 21-102 immediately suspends all remaining local government mandates and restrictions, such as mask mandates, reduced capacity at certain businesses etc., based on the COVID-19 emergency.
- Governor DeSantis signed SB 2006, which prohibits the use of or request for vaccine passports. This means that businesses, schools, and government entities in Florida cannot ask you to prove your COVID-19 vaccination status.
We will continue to monitor actions at the state level and their impact on our College.
As we begin these transitions, I want to thank you all for your continued dedication to keeping our campus community safe during this pandemic. I also remind you that each of us may have different comfort levels with our changing policies. As we have always done, we must continue to respect each member of our campus community.
I wish you all great luck for the summer semester and I look forward to seeing you on campus this fall.
Stan
Dr. Stan Sidor
President, Lake-Sumter State College