Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

WHCCD Employees: For Employee updates related to COVID-19, please see COVID-19 Employee Site
Resources
COVID-19 Prevention Plan
CPP FAQs (Student)
August 02, 2021
West Hills Safe App
Download the West Hills Safe App to complete your Daily Health Screening, obtain your Health Pass, and Check-In to on-campus locations
COVID-19

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

COVID-19
June 01, 2023
COVID-19 Check in no longer required
Effective immediately, the district will no longer be using the West Hills SAFE app to report Covid-19 cases. Those reporting to campus should be assumed to be cleared to be on campus/district site. If you are symptomatic, you should remain offsite and contact c19@whccd.edu for further instruction. All symptomatic, exposure and/or positive cases for employees and students should be directed to c19@whccd.edu
COVID-19
August 02, 2021
West Hills Safe App
Download the West Hills Safe App to complete your Daily Health Screening, obtain your Health Pass, and Check-In to on-campus locations
COVID-19
August 02, 2021
WHCCD Requires Masks Indoors
Effective (8/2/21), WHCCD will continue to require that all employees and students wear face masks while indoors with some exceptions
March 31, 2020
West Hills Community College District Extends Remote Learning, Work in Face of Evolving COVID-19 Crisis
West Hills Community College District Chancellor Stuart Van Horn announced today several changes to the District’s timeline in response to COVID-19.
March 25, 2020
West Hills Community College District Response to COVID-19
In response to the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis, West Hills Community College District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a declaration of emergency at a special board meeting on March 17 and has adopted a number of changes in order to ensure the safety of students, staff, faculty and public health of all its communities, including transitioning most classes online and moving to full remote operations for many staff and faculty.
March 20, 2020
Virtual Resources Available to Students Online
West Hills College Coalinga, West Hills College Lemoore and North District Center Firebaugh students can now access students resources including financial aid advising, class scheduling and counseling help, and support programs online
March 19, 2020
Follett Bookstores: Free Shipping for Online Purchases and Rental Returns + Free eBooks
Your West Hills College Coalinga and West Hills College Lemoore bookstores are offering free eBooks and course software in response to the COVID-19 crisis
March 18, 2020
West Hills Community College District Governing Board Unanimously Approves COVID-19 Emergency Plan Resolution
West Hills Community College District Governing Board Unanimously Approves COVID-19 Emergency Plan Resolution
March 12, 2020
2020 California Community College Athletic Association Cancels Men´s and Women´s State Championship Amid COVID-19 Concerns
The California Community College Athletic Association has decided to cancel the Men’s and Women’s State Championship based on directives from Governor Gavin Newsom to limit public gatherings to 250 people or less and due to growing concerns over COVID-19. The event was scheduled Thursday, March 12 through Sunday, March 15, 2020 at West Hills College Lemoore.
March 12, 2020
West Hills College Coalinga Cancels Spring Rodeo Due to COVID-19
Based on directives from Governor Gavin Newsom to limit public gatherings to 250 people or less and notification from several competing colleges that teams would not be competing due to concerns specific to student travel to large events, West Hills College Coalinga has made the decision to cancel its Spring Rodeo this year scheduled to occur at the college’s rodeo grounds between March 19 and March 22. Cancelation decisions were made out of an abundance of caution due to concerns over COVID-19.
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Frequently Asked Questions

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  • 1. Can receiving a COVID-19 vaccine cause you to be magnetic?

    NO.

    Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine will not make you magnetic, including at the site of vaccination which is usually your arm. COVID-19 vaccines do not contain ingredients that can produce an electromagnetic field at the site of your injection. All COVID-19 vaccines are free from metals.
    Learn more about the ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccinations authorized for use in the United States.

     

    2. Do any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States shed or release any of their components?

    NO.

    Vaccine shedding is the term used to describe the release or discharge of any of the vaccine components in or outside of the body. Vaccine shedding can only occur when a vaccine contains a weakened version of the virus. None of the vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. contain a live virus. mRNA and viral vector vaccines are the two types of currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines available.
    Learn more about mRNA and viral vector COVID-19 vaccines.

     

    3. Is it safe for me to get a COVID-19 vaccine if I would like to have a baby one day?

    YES.

    If you are trying to become pregnant now or want to get pregnant in the future, you may get a COVID-19 vaccine when one is available to you.

    There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 vaccination causes any problems with pregnancy, including the development of the placenta. In addition, there is no evidence that female or male fertility problems are a side effect of any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines.

    The COVID-19 vaccine encourages the body to create copies of the spike protein found on the coronavirus’s surface. This “teaches” the body’s immune system to fight the virus that has that specific spike protein on it.

    Confusion arose when a false report surfaced on social media, saying that the spike protein on this coronavirus was the same as another spike protein called syncitin-1 that is involved in the growth and attachment of the placenta during pregnancy. The false report said that getting the COVID-19 vaccine would cause a woman’s body to fight this different spike protein and affect her fertility. The two spike proteins are completely different and distinct, and getting the COVID-19 vaccine will not affect the fertility of women who are seeking to become pregnant, including through in vitro fertilization methods. During the Pfizer vaccine tests, 23 women volunteers involved in the study became pregnant, and the only one who suffered a pregnancy loss had not received the actual vaccine, but a placebo. Learn more about coronavirus and pregnancy.


    4. Will a COVID-19 vaccine alter my DNA?

    NO.

    COVID-19 vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way. Both mRNA and viral vector COVID-19 vaccines deliver instructions (genetic material) to our cells to start building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. However, the material never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA is kept.

    Learn more about mRNA and viral vector COVID-19 vaccines.

    5. Will getting a COVID-19 vaccine cause me to test positive for COVID-19 on a viral test?

    NO.
    None of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection.
    If your body develops an immune response to vaccination, which is the goal, you may test positive on some antibody tests. Antibody tests indicate you had a previous infection and that you may have some level of protection against the virus.
    Learn more about the possibility of COVID-19 illness after vaccination


    6. Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

    YES.
    COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
    Millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 vaccines under the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history. Over 342 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in the United States from December 14, 2020, through July 26, 2021.

    COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated in tens of thousands of participants in clinical trials. The vaccines met the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality needed to support emergency use authorization (EUA). Learn more about EUAs here: https://youtu.be/iGkwaESsGBQ
    As of July 2021, the FDA granted Pfizer and BioNTech a Priority Review which will allow the FDA to approve the Pfizer COVID vaccine by January 2022.


    7. If I’ve already had the COVID-19 virus, do I need a vaccine?
    People who have gotten sick with COVID-19 may still benefit from getting vaccinated. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, people may be advised to get a COVID-19 vaccine even if they have been sick with COVID-19 before.
    Vaccines allow your body to build immunity without the damaging effects the actual diseases can have. COVID-19 can cause serious complications and can be deadly. There are no specific treatments for COVID-19. It is far smarter to avoid the risk.


    There is not enough information currently available to say if or for how long people are protected from getting COVID-19 after they have had it (natural immunity). Early evidence suggests natural immunity from COVID-19 may not last very long, but more studies are needed to better understand this. Several subjects in the Pfizer trial who were previously infected got vaccinated without ill effects. Some scientists believe the vaccine offers better protection for coronavirus than natural infection.

    8. I feel that the vaccines were rushed, can I trust the effectiveness and safety of the vaccines?

    YES.
    Studies found that the two initial vaccines are both about 95% effective — and reported no serious or life-threatening side effects. There are many reasons why the COVID-19 vaccines could be developed so quickly. Here are just a few:

    • The COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna were created with a method that has been in development for years, so the companies could start the vaccine development process early in the pandemic.
    • China isolated and shared genetic information about COVID-19 promptly, so scientists could start working on vaccines.
    • The vaccine developers didn’t skip any testing steps, but conducted some of the steps on an overlapping schedule to gather data faster.
    • Vaccine projects had plenty of resources, as governments invested in research and/or paid for vaccines in advance.
    • Some types of COVID-19 vaccines were created using messenger RNA (mRNA), which allows a faster approach than the traditional way that vaccines are made.
    • Social media helped companies find and engage study volunteers, and many were willing to help with COVID-19 vaccine research.
    • Because COVID-19 is so contagious and widespread, it did not take long to see if the vaccine worked for the study volunteers who were vaccinated.
    • Companies began making vaccines early in the process — even before FDA authorization — so some supplies were ready when authorization occurred.

    The vaccine doesn’t always work so why should I get one?
    While several COVID-19 vaccines appear to have high levels of efficacy, no vaccine is 100% protective. As a result, there may be a small percentage of people who do not develop protection after COVID-19 vaccination. In addition to a vaccine's specific characteristics, several factors such as a person's age, their underlying health conditions or previous exposure to COVID-19 may have an impact on a vaccine’s effectiveness. It is also not yet known how long immunity from different COVID-19 vaccines will last. That is one reason why, even after vaccination, we must continue using all public health measures that work, such as physical distancing, masks, and handwashing


    10. After I receive the vaccine I can’t go back to life as it was pre-covid, so why should I get one?

    • No vaccine is ever 100% but, if you contract the virus, you are not likely to become very sick or hospitalized.
    • Infections happen in only a small proportion of people who are fully vaccinated, even with the Delta variant so precautions are still needed. When these infections occur among vaccinated people, they tend to be mild.
    • If you are fully vaccinated and become infected with the Delta variant, you can spread the virus to others. We still need to protect those individuals who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical conditions or are too young.
    • People with weakened immune systems, including people who take immunosuppressive medications, may not be protected even if fully vaccinated.


    11. I am afraid that I will be microchipped and tracked if I receive the vaccine.
    The vaccine does not contain a microchip. The vaccine is in a multi-dose vial and does not contain any microchips. The syringes and needles are individually sealed and removed just prior to filling the syringe with the vaccine and do not contain any microchips.

     

    As of July 29, 2021, 99% of COVID deaths are unvaccinated people. More than 97% of hospitalizations from COVID are unvaccinated people.

     

    References:
    What is an EUA? - YouTube
    Finding Credible Vaccine Information | CDC
    Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC
    COVID-19 Vaccines: Myth Versus Fact | Johns Hopkins Medicine
    99% of COVID deaths are now of unvaccinated people, experts say - CNET
    97% Of People Entering Hospitals For COVID-19 Are Unvaccinated : NPR
    COVID_Vaccine_Myths_SLMMS.pdf
    No, the Coronavirus Vaccine Doesn't Contain a Microchip (businessinsider.com)
    FDA Reassigns Staff to Accelerate Full Approval for Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vaccine | 2021-08-01 | FDAnews

  •  

    View West Hills Safe App Guide (PDF)

  • Please visit our COVID-19 site for latest information and updates including our COVID-19 Prevention Plan.

    COVID-19 Site

    View Employee COVID-19 Site/Updates

     

    COVID-19 Points of Contact

    Primary contacts: 
    Jay Darnell         (559)934-2368
    Joe Hash            (559)934-2501

    Secondary contacts:
    Brenda Thames   (559)934-2203
    Sam Aunai           (559)934-2222

    COVID-19 Tracing Contact
    Cory Minter           (559)934-2454

     

     

  • A $500 grant to help with expenses related to campus disruptions due to COVID-19. 

  • Students who withdraw from their courses(s) due to COVID-19 will be granted an excused withdrawal (notated as “EW”) on their transcript. This mark will not affect your academic progress, academic probation, or ability to repeat a course. Courses with an “EW” will not be counted in your Grade Point Averages (GPA). An EW may have an impact on your Financial Aid status and other academic related items. Please consult with Financial Aid and your Counselor/Advisor prior to submitting an EW request.

  • Here are resources for those who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or who need help coping with stress. The DSPS office at each campus can also assist you. 

    Crisis Contact Numbers

    • Crisis Text Line. Text “COURAGE” to 741741 for 24/7, confidential support from trained crisis counselors
    • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 
      English 1-800-273-TALK (8255) TTY 1-800-799-4TTY (48889)
    • The Trevor Lifeline
      1-866-488-7386

     

    Kings County

    If you or someone you know is in crisis, Please contact the following numbers:

    • Kings Co. Crisis/ Suicide Prevention
      1-800-655-2553
    • Kings Co. Behavioral Health
      (559) 852-2376
    • Kingsview Counseling Services (Hanford)
      (559) 582-4481

     

    Fresno County

     
     

    Online Resources, Brochures, and Fact Sheets

    Online Support Group

    For a limited time, the DRAW Program will be offering FREE online support groups via video for all students, staff, faculty, and/or community members that may be struggling with mental wellness during COVID-19.  This support group will run every Thursday from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm until further notice.

    Please call/text/email the DRAW therapist, Seng Leang Tang at 559-380-6690 or sunshineleang@gmail.com for more information.

    Draw Warm Line

    For a limited time, the DRAW Program will be offering FREE non-crisis phone/text support to students, staff, faculty, and/or community members that may be struggling with mental wellness during COVID-19.  The DRAW Warm Line can be accessed by calling/texting (559) 697-3460.  The DRAW therapist, Seng Leang Tang will be available to provide phone/text support during the following days/times:

    ·        Mon 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

    ·        Tues 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

    ·        Wed 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

    ·        Thu 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

    You may also call/text anytime to leave a message and Seng Leang will return your call/text as soon as she is able.

     

    Web Links

    Alcohol and Substance Abuse

    Anxiety

    Bipolar Disorder

    Depression

    Grief/Loss

    Stress Management

    Suicide Prevention/Loss

    Trauma

  • West Hills Community College District is dedicated to the safety of our students, staff, faculty and community. 

    You can find the latest information including COVID-19 Prevention Plan at our COVID-19 information site.

    • Currently enrolled in Spring 2020 and impacted by COVID-19
    • High School Diploma/GED/Completion in approved homeschool
    • FAFSA Application for CARES Emergency Grant funding
    • DREAM Act Application for State Emergency funding
    • Selective Service (if male student)
    • Not be in Default /Overpayment
    • Title IV eligible for CARES Emergency Funding

  • WHC Lemoore

    To submit a request for an “EW” please log in to your student portal and scroll down to student forms, at the bottom of the page, look for the WHCL Excused Withdrawal Petition.

    Fill in your personal information, indicate which course(s) you want to drop, and mark the “Natural disasters directly affecting the student COVID-19” option. Finally, send the form via email to admissionslemoore@whccd.edu. Our staff will follow up with you with a confirmation and any additional information

    WHC COALINGA

    You will not need to submit any additional documents to request an “EW”. All withdraws will be granted an excused withdrawal (notated as “EW”) on your transcript.

  • Yes, not being eligible does not disqualify emergency grants or resources.