Students are probably fed up with showing health screening survey at every building entrance on campus, as we have had health screeners posted at most building entrances, but what is the perspective of those tasked with minimizing COVID exposure here on campus?
Christie Hernandez started her work as a health screener here on campus back in 2021, originally posted at the library before switching to the P building this year.
“We must ask them to provide proof of vaccination because they are not students here. You guys, it’s only two questions,” Hernandez said, adding that the primary function of the health screeners is to prevent visitors here on campus.
According to Hernandez, “Building A has to turn away more people.” This is because building A houses the administration office, and they are more likely to receive people who don’t have classes.
Hernandez also explains that the A building often receives visitors that are not familiar with the health screening process. “Some of them are older or haven’t been to school in a long time,” Hernandez said.
An email was sent out by LBCC to students and faculty that stated that health screeners would be moved from campus coming this June, with few exceptions.
Another health screener here at LBCC, Donovan Madison doesn’t believe health screeners should be removed from campus yet.
“Every week there is something different or something is changing, and we get an update regarding the news or the vaccinations,” Madison said.
Madison recognizes students’ feelings towards these health screening surveys and has considered a solution.
“Maybe we could have a digital card that screeners can scan. Some students are already late to class and in a hurry. We could try physical cards, but many students could lose them,” Madison said.
“Basically, since everything is on our phones, there should be some way to use the same one everyday,” Madison said.
When asked what the function of the health screeners is, Madison’s answer differed from Hernandez’s.
“The reason why they’re doing this is to make sure that nobody who is sick comes in here. If one person gets sick, then everybody gets sick,” Hernandez said.
He also noted that often he directs students if they have any questions about where to go.
While some of our health screeners are hired directly through LBCC, many are hired through third party staffing agencies.
Both Hernandez and Madison insist that they never get bored. They keep up with LBCC news regarding COVID, clean their area, and do anything work or school related. Their shifts are 8 hours long, and each of them gets one hour for lunch.