The COVID—It’s Complicated Discussion and Q&A panel held by Dr. Anne Fisher, program director of the CWC (Counseling and Wellness Center)  via zoom on April 6 provided a large host of information regarding coronavirus, the COVID-19 vaccine and the colleges current and future plans for maintaining low covid rates across campus.  The panel included a wide array of expert speakers: Micheal Drennen the manager of epidemiology programs within the health department of Florida, Dr. Kristopher Fennie an infectious disease epidemiologist and assistant professor at NCF, Dr. Aileen Cannon assistant director of health services at USF, and Susan Stahley the health education coordinator for NCF.

While campus will start opening up with more in-person classes planned for next semester, masks are still to be worn at all times while on campus. Many colleges and universities around the U.S have required vaccines before students and faculty return to campus, including several schools in Florida such as Nova Southeastern University. NCF will not be requiring students to be fully vaccinated before attending class. However, they are highly encouraged to receive a vaccine as soon as possible, as such a vaccine clinic will be held on campus.    At the time of the panel, a vaccine distribution day had not been set, but one has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 14. 

Students who have received the vaccine are still required to follow all COVID safety guidelines and to receive COVID tests throughout the school year. Vaccinated students are also advised to not laminate their vaccine card in case of a booster shot being required in the near future.