Delta College has implemented a new requirement for students and employees on campus as part of its ongoing rollout of Covid-19 safety measures. 

Students attending classes on campus are now required to wear Covid-19 -tracing badges while on campus. These badges are used to speed up the contact tracing process should someone become exposed or be diagnosed with Covid. 

Previous contact tracing was done manually. 

“This is not a Delta College thing; this has been done all over the country,” said Delta College Director of Marketing and Communications Alex Breitler. 

Using Bluetooth technology, the badges conduct an information technology process where it connects to nearby badges throughout the student’s time on campus, according to Breitler. 

This data is relevant in case a student makes close contact with a student or employee detected to have COVID. It has been made clear the badges aren’t used as a location tracking device whatsoever. 

The only information collected is the close contact of other badges. 

Moreover, the badges are only active when on  campus. They don’t  work at any other location.

On-campus students had an opportunity to pick up a contact-tracing badge and identification card during a four-day stint from Oct. 11 to Oct. 14 in Danner Hall. 

“The sooner we get people badges, the safer our campus will be,” said Breitler. “It’s new and different, but it’s important for the safety on campus.”

Students worked their way through multiple stations in Upper Danner as part of the process, which ended in a thick white case being handed to them with two non-active buttons on the back.

“I recommend it but everyone can do what they want,” said student Jesus Campos, who picked up his badge at the event. “Even if I didn’t have to get it, I’d still would’ve gotten it.” 

Students said the  process was quick and easy despite many students showing up for their badges. 

“Taking 15 minutes of your day is easy to help prevent further spread. This is more about being a good person of the community. It’s almost like spreading an STD; it’s very dangerous so it helps to know who you’re around,” Delta student worker Katelynn Castaneda said. 

Staff was expected to be issued contact tracing badges after the on-campus student distribution. Contact tracing is a requirement for staff.

Brietler said information about future badge pickups will be made available for students who missed the four-day event.