San Diego Community College District

SDCCD Students:

San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges and Continuing Education have been monitoring and addressing the unprecedented and rapidly changing circumstances in the past few weeks with the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).

The San Diego Community College District continues to operate in a manner that prioritizes the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff while allowing students full opportunity to continue to engage in their academic studies. We are currently preparing to transition classes from “in-class” to online, should the need arise. In the event your class is changed to an online class, please be prepared to have the necessary tools, internet, laptop or computer to be able to do the work from home. As the health risk is still low at this time, this preparation is precautionary and you will be notified by your instructor should the transition to online occur.

The California Department of Public Health is reporting that although there are concerns about novel coronavirus, the health risk to the general public in California remains low. While COVID-19 has a high transmission rate, it has a low mortality rate. According to the Public Health Department, of those who have tested positive for COVID-19, approximately 80% do not exhibit symptoms that require hospitalization. However, we are warning students against travel during Spring Break (March 30-April 3, 2020) and asking that all precautions be taken if travel is necessary.

As a reminder, we ask everyone to take responsibility for your health and hygiene as this affects our work and learning environments. Please take note of the following:

1. Do not go to campus or to class if you are sick, but let your professor know.

2. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have washed your hands.

4. Cough or sneeze into a tissue that can be thrown away (and wash your hands).

5. Do not share beverages or food with others.

6. Practice healthy habits like disinfecting frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school. The District’s maintenance staff is focusing additional efforts on cleaning frequently used surfaces.

7. Seek medical attention (CALL your health care provider first) if you have the symptoms of COVID-19 (respiratory problems and fever), if you have been in the company of someone who has the virus, and if you have recently traveled to an affected geographical area. Do not come to class, especially if you are sick, until your health situation has been resolved. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

The San Diego Community College District has established a web page with communications to the campus community and resources. Please check sdccd.edu/coronavirus for frequent updates and information.

Thank you,

Student Services