HCTC Announces Mask Requirement for Fall 2021 Semester

Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC) officials announced Thursday that face masks and/or face coverings would be mandatory for all students, staff, and faculty for the Fall 2021 semester, a requirement that would go into effect August 6. 

“This was not a decision that was made lightly,” HCTC President Dr. Jennifer Lindon explained of the mandate. “The KCTCS (Kentucky Community and Technical College System) presidents all met and unanimously agreed to a mask mandate for all KCTCS facilities.”

Effective Friday, August 6, masks will be required for anyone on the Hazard Campus, Technical Campus, Lees College Campus, Leslie County Center, and the Knott County Branch. This includes any outside events scheduled to be on the campuses. 

“Individuals using our spaces will be given a copy of our protocols and will need to agree to them prior to use of our spaces,” Dr. Lindon explained.

“We want to make sure our campuses and facilities are safe, healthy places for our students, faculty and staff, and community members,” she added. “This isn’t a step back—it’s a step forward in the continued fight against COVID-19.”

Dr. Lindon went on to add there will be new signage up at all campuses to remind visitors and HCTC employees of the new protocol, but wanted to remind community members to:

Keep Our Campus Healthy & Safe #HealthAtHCTC

• Wear your face mask! Face masks and/or face coverings are mandatory on all HCTC Campuses effective August 6, 2021. 
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Practice social distancing. 
• Continue good hand hygiene practices. Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer, especially before and after touching surfaces in multi-use areas. 

To find out more about Hazard Community and Technical College, go to hazard.kctcs.edu, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to get the most up-to-date announcements.