Beginning Saturday, (the first day of the fall semester), Lehigh Carbon Community College will require everyone in college buildings to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.

“As many of you may be aware, the Centers for Disease Control recently released information regarding the Delta variant’s ability to spread among vaccinated people. The CDC also issued guidelines that recommend the wearing of masks indoors regardless of vaccination status,” president Ann Bieber said.

The mask requirement encompasses students, staff, faculty and all visitors to campus. Masks must be worn at all times indoors: in classrooms and labs, common areas, hallways, elevators, lounges, etc. Students and visitors meeting in person with advisors, tutors, counselors, etc. must also be masked.

“Those who don’t want to wear a mask can schedule a virtual appointment,” Bieber said, though students working in clinical locations must meet the requirements in effect at those sites.

Masks may be removed in the cafeteria area, Corner Café, or designated eating areas, or while you are eating. They are not required in private offices while working alone, and are not required outdoors. Classes are offered in various formats to meet individual needs, including in-person, online and remote.

At this time, vaccinations are not required, but are encouraged. All Pennsylvanians age 12 and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. For information about vaccines and where they are available, go to the Vaccine Finder at vaccines.gov.

Employees wishing to file an exemption to the mask requirement should contact Donna Williams, Director of Human Resources, at dwilliams@lccc.edu. Students who wish to file an exemption should contact the Office of Disability Support Services at dss@lccc.edu or call 610-799-1156.