With the number of positive COVID-19 cases increasing in Ada County and throughout Idaho, face coverings must now be worn at all times in both common areas of the building as well as group study rooms if more than one person is present.

Previously, students studying in small groups of less than five had the option to remove their masks if all were in agreement. Under this new requirement, face masks must be worn at all times unless an individual is in a room alone.

In common areas of the building, including the café, lecture halls and the atrium, masks must be worn at all times. Students and employees are also reminded to “badge in” when entering the building, to assist the COVID-19 Task Force in efficiently performing contact tracing when the need arises.

“Our ability to continue to provide in-person training rests in our collective responsibility to keep each other safe,” said Dr. Thomas Mohr, Dean and Chief Academic Officer.

Questions or concerns from students should be directed to Liz Watson, Director of Student Affairs. Employees should contact Shannon Blackstock, Director of Human Resources.

In addition to the safety procedures that must be followed on campus, ICOM’s COVID-19 Task Force issued updated guidance related to study space, club meetings and activities, and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday break.

Study Space

• When not otherwise reserved for teaching, labs, or scheduled events, the Lecture Halls may be used by students for studying.
• Conference rooms on the third floor may be used for study after business hours when not otherwise reserved or being used for faculty/staff business.
• Students must clean and sanitize before and after using the study space.
• Students must clean the white boards and wipe off the markers after use.

Club Meetings and Activities

• Student organizations may now hold in-person meetings and activities for up to 50 people if COVID precautions can be maintained.
• Must have prior approval from Student Services and must describe how COVID precautions will be followed.
• Masks will be required along with social distancing and outside speakers must be approved and agree to follow the precautions.
• Must have advanced sign up and monitor attendance to ensure no more than 50 are in the lecture room.
• Any food served must be pre-packaged or boxed meals. Masks may be removed when eating if social distance is maintained.
• Violations of the above will lead to previous restrictions for all student organizations.

Influenza Vaccine

• The Flu vaccine is required for all students and highly encouraged for all employees.
• Students are required to submit proof of annual influenza immunization by Nov. 15, 2020.

Thanksgiving Holiday

• ICOM encourages students to consider not traveling out of the community for the Thanksgiving holiday.
• Those who choose to travel should take all personal precautions to avoid COVID infection.
• Classes will resume on Monday, Nov. 30 and will include continued on-site in-person training.
• ICOM asks all students to be hyper-vigilant and not return to campus if they had been exposed or become symptomatic.

These new guidelines are subject to change.

For more information, visit idahocom.org/coronavirus. Learn how COVID-19 has impacted ICOM’s application review process by clicking here.