Last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance related to masking in an effort to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Specifically, the CDC recommended that even individuals who have been fully vaccinated wear masks in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission. This new CDC guidance has been reviewed this week by college administration as well as the CF COVID-19 task force. Effective immediately, because our college service area (and the entire state of Florida) is currently categorized as a high transmission area, CF is strongly encouraging all employees, students and guests, vaccinated or otherwise, to wear masks when indoors at all CF campuses and sites. While the college is not enacting an official mandate that requires masking, we are sincerely asking that each of us recognize that our individual choices impact others in the college community. It is our hope that we can mask up as a team and stay well – together.
In addition, as a preventive measure, the administration and COVID-19 task force strongly encourage all eligible individuals within the college community to receive a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible. Current CDC data clearly indicates that vaccination significantly reduces the risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19. College administration and the COVID-19 task force continue to monitor developments with the health and safety of all those in the college community as top priority.