Instructional Response to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Dear Students,
We have been closely monitoring the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and understand the fear and uncertainty that this health crisis has created for our community. While the Orange County Public Health Care Agency assures us that risk to the general public is still low, we have made the decision to take action to slow the transmission of the virus in order to protect our students, our employees and our larger community.
The safety of our students and employees is our top priority. While OCC's campus remains open, we have activated a response to limit the spread of the virus.
Beginning Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20, we will move many of our classes to an online or alternative method of instruction. You will be receiving communication from your instructor regarding your specific classes and method being utilized in order to make this transition.
All classes should prepare to go online after Spring Break. We recognize that for some labs and activity classes, this will not be possible and ask that you check your college email for communication from your instructor.
I also want to share with you the steps that we have taken to protect our campus. The Coast Community College District has formed a COVID-19 Response Task Force comprised of experts from across the District. This week the Task Force updated and published a Districtwide Emergency Response Plan, outlining how we will respond to this health threat.
Members of the Task Force are in constant close communication with local and statewide healthcare agencies. However, we understand that the situation continues to move rapidly. All of this planning is fluid, and as new developments arise, we are responding to them.
As I mentioned before, our campus will remain open. I encourage everyone on our campus to continue to practice good health hygiene, such as hand washing, and social distancing, such as refraining from hand shaking. My office has been told there is uncertainty from students and employees about whether or not to stay home when you are sick, even if symptoms are mild. My response to this is unequivocal: if you are sick, stay home.
Flexibility in Class Attendance
We are working with our faculty on attendance flexibility during this time, to ensure a minimal disruption to your academic experience.
Travel Restrictions
As you consider travel over the spring break holiday, please exercise caution regarding travel health advisories. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and OC Health Care Agency released new guidance on travel. Individuals who are at higher risk for contracting COVID-19 should avoid crowds and non-essential air travel. These are older adults (ages 60 and higher) as well as people who have serious, chronic medical conditions (like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease). If you are over 60 or have a serious, chronic medical condition, I encourage you to follow this guidance.
The California Department of Public Health also advises that individuals who have a travel history over the course of the last 14 days to an area identified by the CDC as having a Level 3 Travel Health Notice (China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea as of March 10) should avoid coming to campus and stay home until the 14-day period concludes.
College Events
The College is assessing what events may be booked, rescheduled, or canceled. The assessment includes whether or not the event experience can be offered in an alternative way; if social distancing and other preventative procedures can be successfully implemented; and what guidance is offered by public-health officials. Please know we are following guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on mass gatherings.
Continued Communication
We have developed a multi-channel communication strategy that includes links to additional information, updates and resources available on campus and from the District. For more information, please visit the District website.
Thank you for your flexibility and support as we take these urgent steps to protect our students, faculty and staff, and families. I will continue to keep you informed as the situation develops.
Sincerely,
Angelica L. Suarez, Ph.D.
President