As part of Phase 1B of Long Beach’s vaccine rollout plan, professors at Long Beach City College are getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Phase 1A of the plan consists of healthcare workers and long-term care residents, and Phase 1B includes people of age 65 and older, and sector populations.
According to the ca.gov COVID-19 website, LA county has administered roughly 2.1 million doses of the vaccine so far.
With 500 LBCC essential employees vaccinated as of February 19th, there are an expected 2500 more employees who need to get vaccinated.
According to LBCC Vice President of Business Services, Marlene Drinkwine, there are plans underway to reopen the college but the date is still undetermined.
With education workers eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, some professors have already started to receive it and would like to see the campus reopen soon.
In a zoom interview with LBCC english professor Brian Garcia, he said “I would like to increase safety and availability for in-person instruction. I also think that would depend on the safety of students and the safety of instructors.”
The school is awaiting new safety orders from both the city and state before it can reopen.
“I hope that we don’t get into a false sense of security because students still need to get vaccinated.” professor Garcia added.
English professor, David Morse said, “I hope it means in fall I can be back in a classroom again. That’s what we’re all shooting for, many of us want to be back in the classroom.”
The CDC declares that institutions of higher education (IHE) need to plan and prepare for any reopening.
For anyone who wants more information on getting vaccinated please visit: http://longbeach.gov/health/diseases-and-condition/information-on/coronavirus/vaxlb/