The Los Rios Board of Trustees voted to end the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for students and employees, according to a statement released on Oct. 20 by Brian King, the Los Rios Community College District chancellor, and the presidents of the four colleges in the district.. 

The mandate is currently still in effect, but is in the process of being lifted.

“District and college staff have already begun the process of operationalizing this decision, and will provide more information about specific implications in the days and weeks ahead,” King said in the announcement.

According to Scott Crow, American River College’s public information officer, the mandate could be lifted soon. 

“Our goal is to have it lifted in time for spring 2023 enrollment, which begins in late November,” Crow said in an email to the Current.

Crow says that some health measures will stay in place. 

“We will continue all other COVID-19 mitigation measures. For example, our protocols for reporting positive cases or exposures will remain in place and we will strongly recommend masks,” Crow said. 

According to the announcement, Los Rios will continue to follow guidance from state and local public health experts to minimize the spread of infection. 

The district also has cleaning methods in place. 

“We will use enhanced air filtration systems in our facilities and also follow best practices for cleaning protocols laid out by public health experts,” Crow said. 

The LRCCD still strongly encourages students and employees to get vaccinated, according to the statement.