Patrick Henry Community College (PHCC) received directives from Virginia’s Community College System (VCCS) which governs the state’s 23 community colleges regarding COVID-19 vaccines and the use of masks.
According to the new guidance, Virginia’s community colleges will not require the COVID-19 vaccines or proof of vaccination to work, learn, or conduct business on a community college campus.
Additionally, those who have been completely vaccinated are no longer required to wear masks while at PHCC.
For anyone who feels safer or more comfortable wearing a mask, PHCC encourages and supports continued mask use.
These directives were the result of consultation with the community college presidents and senior leaders across the 23 community colleges, and reflect the statements made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Office of Governor Ralph Northam, and the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM).
“I believe it is in the best interests of our faculty, staff, and students to encourage everyone to get their COVID-19 vaccine. However, we will not require an individual to be vaccinated to attend or to work at one of our colleges,” VCCS Chancellor Glenn DuBois said in a statement.
According to PHCC’s President, Dr. Angeline Godwin, the college will immediately transition to keep in line with the VCCS’s directives.