Change in Masking Policy Effective August 9

We continue to closely monitor the pandemic in cooperation with local, state, federal, and CDC guidelines. In response to the increasing threat of the Delta variant and the rise of COVID-19 cases/hospitalizations, the CDC revised its guidance last week. In light of these changes, our leadership team continues to put the safety of our students, employees, and visitors first as we update our pandemic response.

Effective Monday, Aug. 9, the College will require face masks for all individuals in BTC classrooms, labs, and in-person gatherings where physical distancing is not possible.

• Campuses remain fully open to the public, students, and employees.
• Face masks are required by all visitors, employees, and students in all classrooms and labs regardless of vaccination status, per CDC guidance.
• In addition, face masks are required inside when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
• Individuals should continue to practice physical distancing.
• The College will continue to follow advanced cleaning and sanitization procedures as well as increased airflow.

BTC summer classes end today, Aug. 2, leaving BTC campuses with decreased foot traffic for the remainder of the week. However, faculty return to campus on Aug. 9, and our student body returns on Aug. 16. Therefore, the new face mask requirement goes into effect as our on-campus traffic increases.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, our continued safety and continuity of operations are due to everyone's ability and willingness to adhere to BTC's safety protocols. We continue to have zero spread of COVID-19 here at BTC, and you have all done a phenomenal job of keeping Blackhawk a safe place to learn and work.

For more information on our COVID-19 response, visit www.blackhawk.edu or review the Fall 2021 COVID-19 Response FAQs here.

If you haven't already done so, I encourage all of you and your families to take advantage of the FREE DHS Community Vaccine Clinic at BTC. They now accept walk-ins and are vaccinating ages 12 and up. Individuals under 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

We will continue to monitor the pandemic in cooperation with local, state, federal, and CDC guidelines and keep you informed of any changes to our pandemic response.

Thank you all for your cooperation and patience during this journey.

Tracy P. Pierner, Ph.D.