Update on Executive Directive #18 (2021), Vaccination Disclosure

Dear NOVA Community,  As I shared earlier this month, on August 5, 2021, Governor Northam announced Executive Directive #18 (2021), which requires all state employees and state contractors to disclose their COVID-19 vaccination status by September 1, 2021. This mandate also applies to newly hired or transferred employees from other state agencies, teleworkers, volunteers, work-study students, and interns.

All employees, including those who are teleworking, volunteers, and work-study students are required to disclose their vaccination status to Human Resources by September 1, 2021. NOVA employees will submit vaccination information using an online portal on NOVA’s intranet; vaccinated employees will be required to upload a copy of their COVID-19 vaccination card and provide additional details required by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Details on how to access the portal will be provided in a subsequent communication. 

Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated employees who work onsite or who are engaged in public facing job duties must be tested for COVID-19 weekly and submit test results to Human Resources through the designated online portal each Monday, beginning September 6, 2021.

The cost of the COVID-19 tests for employees will be paid by NOVA, and COVID-19 tests may be taken during work hours at a time approved by the employee’s supervisor. Employees who are required to test will be notified by Human Resources of the college’s testing procedures. They will also be asked to acknowledge receipt of testing guidance and procedures. 

Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated employees who test negative each week will be permitted to work. Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated employees whose weekly test is positive for COVID-19 should follow the guidance as established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and their individual medical providers. In the event of a positive test result, employees will also receive additional guidance from Human Resources.

Employees who fail to comply with Executive Directive #18 (2021) requirements will face disciplinary actions, which may include termination.

Employees may request an accommodation for the testing requirement if they have a documented medical condition/disability or a sincerely held religious belief that precludes the required testing. Requests for a religious or medical accommodation should be submitted by completing the appropriate request for accommodation form; this form is available through the online portal. Human Resources will review each accommodation request and contact the employee to discuss the request and obtain additional information as needed. Employees will receive written notification concerning the status of their religious or medical accommodation.

The goal of the Executive Directive is to increase the number of Virginians vaccinated against COVID-19 because vaccines are effective in protecting against hospitalization and death because of the virus. It is time to #VaxUpNOVA: employees who have not been vaccinated are encouraged to go to Vaccinate Virginia or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1) to find a nearby vaccination clinic or provider. To learn more about vaccination for COVID-19 in Virginia, visit VDH – COVID-19 Vaccine Response.

I am certain you have questions about Executive Directive #18. In the next few days, employees will be provided a list of frequently asked questions related to the implementation of the directive. Questions or concerns can also be addressed to Human Resources at HRAdmin@nvcc.edu.

Thank you for all you are doing to keep our NOVA community healthy and for supporting our students as we begin the fall semester!

Sincerely,

Anne