Dear BRCC Community,

As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise in Louisiana following the fourth resurgence of the virus, Governor John Bel Edwards and the Louisiana Department of Health have issued updated guidance and recommendations for all vaccinated and unvaccinated citizens throughout the state. The updated guidance includes:

All people – vaccinated and unvaccinated – should wear face masks while indoors if six feet of physical distance cannot be maintained. 
All businesses should review their operations to accommodate employees in a way that reduces unnecessary contact to avoid the spread of COVID in the workplace.
All people should take a COVID test immediately after a known or suspected exposure to COVID-19. If positive, they should isolate immediately.
If negative, they should retest again between five and seven days post-exposure.
If they develop symptoms of COVID-19 at any point they should test and immediately isolate pending the results. 
Considering the updated guidance that has been provided by the Governor’s Office, effective immediately:

The mask mandate is reinstated at all BRCC campuses. All students, employees, visitors, and vendors are required to wear a mask or face covering over the nose and mouth while on BRCC campuses and in BRCC facilities. 
The COVID-19 Self-Screening process will be re-implemented, and all students and employees will be required to complete the daily screenings.
Social distancing of at least six feet is strongly encouraged. 
Enhanced hygiene practices, including hand washing is strongly encouraged.
The Return to Campus plan will be updated and distributed to students and employees. 
Internal and external event requests will be reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis.

At this time, no changes have been made to our fall class schedule, and we plan to continue classes and operations with the modifications detailed above. If changes do occur, you will be notified immediately.  


It is disheartening that we find ourselves in this place once again following the resurgence of COVID-19 in Louisiana. However, I remain hopeful as our state takes immediate action, that we will once again reverse the upward trend of cases and hospitalizations that we are seeing.  Until that time, I ask that you to continue complying with the widespread advice that we have received from the Louisiana Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. 


I also strongly encourage all students and employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Please visit the following links if you need to take the shot:

Find a Vaccine Provider
Find a Vaccine Event Near You
Call the Vaccine Hotline at 1-855-453-0774
We will continue to assess this situation daily, and will ensure that we are doing everything possible to protect our students and employees. I continue to thank you for your hard work on behalf of our students and our college. If you have any questions, please contact your immediate supervisor or the Human Resources Department to discuss.

Sincerely,

Willie E. Smith, Sr., Ed.D.
Chancellor