ENDING ALL COVID RESTRICTIONS
The college returned to normal pre-COVID operations , ending more than two years of strict restrictions caused by the pandemic .
• The social distancing requirement ended , allowing in-person classes to return to full capacity seating along with full capacity seating for college events .
• The social distancing requirement ended , allowing in-person classes to return to full capacity seating along with full capacity seating for college events .
• The college had previously made mask wearing optional . Those who wanted to continue wearing a mask could do so .
• The college continued to retain its COVID reporting policy , which requires students and employees to report a positive case of the virus , or close contact with a positive case , or if experiencing COVID symptoms .
• The college returned to normal operations for several reasons . They included :
• A significant drop in COVID cases in Brevard County following the Delta and Omicron surges .
• Large numbers of Brevard residents vaccinated and the wide availability of the vaccine .
• The CDC announcing the pandemic phase of the virus was over and the nation was moving into a long-term phase where strict safety measures were no longer necessary .
• Nonetheless , the college remained vigilant against the virus and would take protective measures again , if needed .
• In an email to students and employees , Dr . Jim Richey said the following :
• “ I can never thank you enough for your incredible response in our collective battle against COVID . In doing so , you showed the college at its very best during the most difficult time in its history .
• “ It is a lesson we can draw on with great pride in the years ahead as we continue making EFSC among the best institutions of higher education in Florida .”
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