COVID-19 Information

Please read the statement below for more information as well as use any of the links below.

Due to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, all Los Rios college campuses are currently closed to the public. This includes Folsom Lake College. Some specialty courses are being allowed to continue in a limited capacity including athletics.

For athletic practice and competition the Los Rios Community College District, which includes Folsom Lake College, is following the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the California Department of Public Health Institutions of Higher Education (CDPH IHE), Sacramento County Public Health, and the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA), as well as the district’s own licensed medical staff, including physician Dr. Joseph Iser and our college nurses. Based on this guidance, wearing a face mask and regular testing is advised as a requirement to resuming practice, training, and inter-district competition. Detailed information from the CCCAA on return to play and testing guidelines can be viewed at: https://www.cccaasports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus_info_page_copy.

Los Rios has contracted with a local industry leader, StemExpress, to conduct molecular testing (RT-PCR) to test our student athletes, coaches, and staff for SARS-COV-2 infection. StemExpress currently has a drive-thru pop-up test site in Parking Lot C at FLC’s Main Folsom campus that is available for FLC faculty/staff use, as well as for the general community. StemExpress staff with qualifications and certifications meeting state level requirements will be administering the collection of samples and the test. Dr. Iser confirms that this type of testing using a cotton swab has minimal short-term effects (primarily mild discomfort and the potential nosebleed), and no long-term effects. If the student has some sort of specific anatomic issue that would make swab testing difficult or more dangerous, then their physician or nurse practitioner should provide a note. The samples will then be sent to their CLIA laboratory for RT-PCR testing using Thermo Fisher’s Applied Biosystems TaqPath Assay technology. This highly sensitive diagnostic test provides fast and reliable results. Through this testing, positive results are indicative of a current SARS-CoV-2 infection. If you have additional questions about the testing process, please see https://www.stemexpress.com/get-tested-for-covid-19/ or contact StemExpress directly at (530) 317-7003.

We understand that there may be concern by our students and their families regarding resuming in-person campus activities at this time. The testing and return to practice protocols we are following are guidelines provided by the CCCAA and CDPH IHE. Participation in college athletics is also voluntary, not mandatory. If a student does not wish to have the mandated COVID testing or wear a mask, they may choose to not participate this season. We know this is a complex issue and the student needs to make the choice that’s best for them.

The safety of our student athletes, coaches, and staff continues to be our primary focus which is why we continue to adhere to the safety guidelines set forth by the state.