July 27, 2021
Contact: Melissa Villarin
Office: 916-327-5365
Office E-mail: MVillarin@CCCCO.edu

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Acting Community Colleges Chancellor Daisy Gonzales and Board of Governors President Pamela Haynes on Tuesday urged students, faculty and staff to take action to protect Californians from a fast-spreading and deadly COVID-19 variant by getting their free vaccinations if they haven’t done so already.
“If you have been waiting to get your vaccination, now is the time,” said Gonzales, PhD.  “The Delta variant is predominately striking unvaccinated people, driving up the number of cases and hospitalizations. Vaccines are safe and effective ways of protecting our students, our neighbors and our communities.”

Gonzales praised Governor Newsom and higher education leaders, including those within the California Community Colleges system, California State University and University of California, who are requiring vaccinations for employees and students.

While the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office does not have the legal authority to require vaccinations for students and employees system-wide, it has urged all local districts to exercise their authority to adopt vaccination mandates with flexibility where vaccines are not possible due to medical conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs.

“The sooner we're vaccinated, the sooner we can all return to doing the things we love on and off campus,” said board president Pamela Haynes. “We all play a major role in keeping California safe.”

Gonzales noted that as of last week, California’s statewide case rate went from a low in May of 1.9 cases per 100,000 a day to at least 9.5 cases per 100,000 a day. The vast majority of new cases are among the unvaccinated, with 600 percent higher case rates among the unvaccinated than for those who are vaccinated. To schedule an appointment for a free vaccination, go to My Turn.ca.gov today.

The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 116 colleges serving 2.1 million students per year. California community colleges provide career education and workforce training; guaranteed transfer to four-year universities; degree and certificate pathways; and basic skills education in English and math. As the state’s engine for social and economic mobility, the California Community Colleges supports the Vision for Success, a strategic plan designed to improve student success outcomes, increase transfer rates and eliminate achievement gaps. For more information, please visit the California Community Colleges website or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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