May 11, 2021
Local Unit COVID-19 Protocol Policy Change Follow Up
As announced via email on May 5, 2021 and supported at the May Extension Update on May 7, 2021 – we received approval for adjusting our policy regarding local unit COVID-19 protocols. Here is a summary of the policy changes in FAQ style:
• What COVID-19 protocols are local units to follow?
o Effective May 5, 2021 – local units should follow the COVID-19 protocols of the prevailing county or city health authority. In most situations, this will be the protocols of your county public health authority.
• Do local units need to submit the face-to-face notification forms?
o Not as of May 5, 2021.
• How does this affect our American Income Life supplemental accident coverage procured through the 4-H program fees?
o Because this was a university policy change instead of an option for local units to opt out, American Income Life has indicated their support for and coverage under the new policy.
• What if county and city protocols differ?
o If a meeting occurs in a city where there are more restrictive protocols than the county protocols, we suggest you follow the more restrictive guidelines
.
• What protocols should be followed at KSU facilities?
o Kansas State University’s protocols should be followed at all Kansas State University controlled facilities (campuses, regional research and extension centers, experiment fields, and satellite stations).
• If an agent and specialist are hosting a meeting, whose protocols apply?
o If the meeting is held at a Kansas State University controlled facility, the campus protocols apply. If it is not at a Kansas State University facility, the COVID-19 protocols of the prevailing public health authority apply.
• If the local COVID-19 protocols do not include a mask mandate, may I ask participants to wear a mask?
o This is very important. While you can recommend that people wear masks, you cannot insist that they do so to participate in a local unit program, event, or activity.
• May we ask if participants are vaccinated?
o This is very important. While you can promote and educate about vaccinations, you cannot insist that people be vaccinated in order to participate in a program, event, or activity.
• May I wear a mask even if it is not part of local unit protocols?
o Of course you can.
• What if I am uncomfortable with educating, facilitating, or participating in an activity where masks are not part of the COVID protocols?
o Plan to engage via virtual means. In cases where virtual delivery is not programmatically appropriate, please work with your local unit director, regional director, board, and appropriate state office to determine how to best provide proper coverage for the program, event, or activity.
• May I work remotely if I am uncomfortable with the prevailing COVID-19 protocols of my local unit?
o Local unit extension professionals working remotely is always an option to consider, but it is one that must be approved by the local unit director, the Extension Board, and the regional director on a case-by-case basis.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to send them to your regional director, our associate directors, (constad@ksu.edu; rlpeterson@ksu.edu;) or me, (ghadley@ksu.edu).