Updates
Houston Community College Response to Governor’s Executive Order on Prohibiting Government Entities from Mandating COVID-19 Masks
May 19, 2021
On Tuesday, May 18, Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order GA-36 prohibiting governmental entities and officials from mandating face coverings or restrictive activities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effective immediately, face coverings are no longer required at HCCS facilities. The college is in the process of adjusting all previously instituted COVID-19 protocols that conflict with the Governor’s order. Please be aware that signage on campus will be removed to reflect the new guidance.
Your safety and wellbeing remain our top priority. Houston Community College highly recommends you continue to observe the three W’s (washing hands often and watching social distance and wearing masks). Services available on campuses include food vending and microwaves. Lounges, atria and lobbies can be used for dining (eating within classrooms and labs is discouraged). Ice machines and water fountains will not be in use.
Employees and students interested in receiving the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine can do so at one of the open drive- and walk-up sessions located at Acres Homes (Northeast Houston) and Central (Midtown Houston) campuses on Wednesday, May 19 through Saturday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The vaccines are administered by the Texas National Guard at no cost to the public, in partnership with the Texas Department of Emergency Management. Additionally, the Missouri City (Southwest Houston) campus supports walk-ins Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., which is sponsored through the Fort Bend County Department of Health.
The second doses of the vaccine are scheduled for Wednesday, June 9 through Saturday, June 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the same locations.
Employees (full-time, part-time and adjuncts) who receive a vaccination at the locations during scheduled work hours will not be charged leave. More information will be sent by Talent Engagement through a TE News e-mail.
We are monitoring the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and appropriately adhering to the prescribed protocols and guidelines,
In the interim, please be clear, no changes will be advanced prior to the beginning of summer session, which is not to imply changes will not follow thereafter.
Students, faculty and staff who participate or collaborate with external entities for activities such as clinical programs, internships, work-study jobs, dual credit programs, etc., may be asked to wear a mask/face covering by other establishments. Your participation with these establishments is governed by other agreements, which continue to control and guide interactions and stand apart from HCC’s required adherence to this order.
We will notify everyone of any additional changes that may occur. Please continue to monitor email, the System’s COVID-19 website and social media channels for updates.