MESSAGE

Some of you have suggested that during the course of this present health crisis, periodic updates be provided of a factual nature so that everyone knows what is occurring at our campuses and in the administrative areas of the San Diego Community College District.  These updates are intended to provide factual information and not a repeat of the information that is already available in the news media and other communications.  Our SDCCD Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is fully functional and the team is spending focused time and attention to the current health issue.

Constance M. Carroll	Jose Vargas	Rich Dittbenner
Chancellor	Acting Chief of Police	Director, Public Info. & Govt. Relations

DEFINITION OF H1N1 VIRUS

The virus is no longer referred to as "swine flu," but has been designated "H1N1 Influenza" or just "H1N1" by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  It is one of a number of strains of the influenza virus and is still being researched.  Until more is known about it and until a reliable treatment is developed, extra care is being exercised as incidences increase in number and geographic location.

SDCCD INCIDENTS

To date, the SDCCD has experienced the following incidents:

• Three probable cases have been tested as negative. An additional case is currently being investigated. When a probable case is identified, the individual is either sent home for follow-up medical assessment, or the individual is directed not to come to work (or to class) until medical assessment has been made.

• One confirmed case was identified last week, but the individual experienced the onset in another state and is presently under quarantine there.

Thus far, there has been no cause for concern regarding infection due to these cases.

EOC ORGANIZATION FOR H1N1 SITUATION

• Coordination and Direction.  Vice Chancellor Lynn Neault is serving as the overall Coordinator for this flu emergency, since the majority of incidences and issues involve students.  She is in regular contact with the appropriate administrators, as well as with County Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  Emergency actions are coordinated by the Chief of Police (Charlie Hogquist), the Chancellor (Constance Carroll), with the assistance of the other vice chancellors (Terry Davis,
  Otto Lee, Kim Myers, and Dave Umstot), and the Presidents (Terrence Burgess, Rita Cepeda, Patricia Hsieh, and Anthony Beebe).  The District Spokesperson is the Director of Public Information & Government Relations (Rich Dittbenner).



• Notification Form.  When a suspected case is reported, we have asked the administrators to utilize the attached notification form so that we can be certain that the appropriate information is provided.

ADDITIONAL ACTIONS AND PROTOCOLS

• Policy re High School Students in Closed Schools.  We have been notified by the Public Health Department that when a K-12 school is closed because of this health crisis, those students are to remain home.  This means that the cooperative arrangements between some of the public schools and our campuses will not continue and the students will not be allowed on campus until their school reopens.  In San Diego County, three schools have closed for the required 14 days, the first two of which have many involvements with our campuses:  The Kearny High Educational Complex, the San Diego School for Creative and Performing Arts, and Mission Hills High School in San Marcos.  Students from these schools will not be allowed on our campuses until their schools reopen.



• Sanitizer Distribution.   Sanitizer dispensers were installed and filled at City, Mesa, and Miramar Colleges.  They have been ordered for the campuses of Continuing Education.  They have also been ordered for all departments throughout the District.  However, there is a backlog among suppliers, so employees are encouraged to bring their own sanitizers with them and also to wash their hands frequently.



• Additional Custodial Efforts.  The Custodial staff have intensified their cleaning/sanitizing efforts, including computer keyboards.



• Study Abroad Program. City College’s summer Study Abroad program to Cuernavaca, Mexico, has been canceled, and the other study abroad programs are currently being reviewed relative to this health situation.

Thanks to everyone for being patient, vigilant, and cooperative with the health advisories that have been shared thus far.  We will keep you informed. 

In the meantime, please contact your manager or supervisor if you have any immediate concerns.