COVID-19

COVID Vaccine Event

UPDATE ON APRIL 7:

Lake Area Tech Students,

You have the opportunity to get the one-dose COVID vaccination!  Although sign-up is preferred, Prairie Lakes is now making the LATC Student single-dose J&J Vaccination event on Friday a “walk-in” event for LATC Students – no registration/appointment necessary.  Since there are only 500 doses, registration is still encouraged, just not required. Walk-ins are welcome for the duration of the event or until doses are gone. The availability of the last dose would be 15 mins prior to the end of the event (so, factoring in the 15 minute wait and event closing by 5 PM, last shot will be at the latest 4:45pm).  This might mean walk-ins may find a line/people waiting.

For the remainder of this year, and through next school year, vaccinated students who are not symptomatic will be exempt from LATC quarantine for close contact.

Here is the interim CDC guidance regarding vaccinated individuals:

“Fully vaccinated people can:

• Visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing
• Visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing
• Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure if asymptomatic
• Resume domestic travel and refrain from testing before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel.
• Refrain from testing before leaving the United States for international travel (unless required by the destination) and refrain from self-quarantine after arriving back in the United States.

For now, fully vaccinated people should continue to:

• Take precautions in public like wearing a well-fitted mask and physical distancing
• Wear masks, practice physical distancing, and adhere to other prevention measures when visiting with unvaccinated people who are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease or who have an unvaccinated household member who is at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease
• Wear masks, maintain physical distance, and practice other prevention measures when visiting with unvaccinated people from multiple households
• Avoid medium- and large-sized in-person gatherings
• Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
• Follow guidance issued by individual employers
• Follow CDC and health department travel requirements and recommendations”

You have done an amazing job combatting COVID.  Let’s all take this next step together! 

See you on Friday!

Mike

PREVIOUS MESSAGE WITH REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) will be hosting a COVID vaccination event with the single-dose Janssen/Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine for LATC students on Friday April 9^th from 7 AM to 5 PM. The event will be held at the LATC – 4^th floor.  

Scheduling and Event Details

• Please use the link in the email you received regarding this event.
• After you register, you will receive a confirmation email indicating your successful registration – you do NOT need to print and bring that with you.  
• The vaccination times are set up based on availability of vaccinators and time allowed between each individual being vaccinated. Please arrive on time.
• The vaccine is given in the upper arm so please wear clothing that allows for relatively easy access to that area, such as a short sleeve shirt with zip or button up sweatshirt, sweater, or jacket over top.
• You are required to wear a face covering over your nose and mouth during the vaccination process and wait time.  
• You will be required to remain onsite for 15 minutes after your vaccination to ensure no immediate untoward reaction to the vaccine.
• Information about the J&J vaccine is attached to the email you received (and available in the registration link).
• Please print the consent form during the registration process or from the attachment with the email you received. Complete the questionnaire/consent form and bring it with you to ensure a timely and efficient vaccination process for you and others.

Previous Updates

Watch our video that explains what students can expect at Lake Area Tech as they return to campus. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Student Emergency Fund:

The Lake Area Technical College Foundation has put together a fund to help offset some of the difficulties students are facing because of the COVID-19 impact.

The Student Emergency Fund has been established to assist students during unforeseen financial emergencies because we know our students are at a greater risk of leaving the university during times of crisis. By providing students with the resources they need during this challenging time, you’ll help ensure they are able to stay committed to Lake Area Technical College and continue their education.

Make Your Own Personal Mask Patterns:
The CDC recommends people at high risk and people in situations where social distancing may not be possible (grocery stores, etc.) wear masks in public settings. Here are a few how-to links for making your own (non-medical) mask:

• Surgeon General Demonstrates on YouTube
• KELO-Land Living DIY Mask Pattern
• Olson Pattern Mask (This is the pattern requested by local healthcare  providers)

Student and Staff Resources

• Laptop Information and Help
• Looking for Internet?
• Anxiety and Depression Resources
  • Watertown Crisis Hot Line: 605-886-0123
  • Helpline Center: 211

News and Guidelines 

• CDC Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• CDC Travel Recommendations
• SD Department of Health Coronavirus
• South Dakota State News
• Watertown COVID-19 Facebook Page