3-11-20 SBCCD Communication

Dear SBCCD community:

There is nothing more important to us than the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff; that is why we are actively monitoring the latest develop.m.ents of coronavirus and taking steps to keep you safe.

First, we would like you to know that there are NO confirmed cases of coronavirus in San Bernardino County at this time.

Officials from the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health agree that the health risk from COVID-19 in our county currently remains low.

Classes and Operations Continue Until Further Notice
For many of our students, online education is not an option given their lack of access to reliable internet or a working computer at home. That is why our plan at this time is to continue classes and operations across the San Bernardino Community College District while remaining flexible for any scenario and updated recommendations from our local health officials, the California Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

We are taking necessary precautions to ensure our health and safety, such as:

  • Activating SBCCD's communicable disease safety plan, which includes forming a district-wide task force to monitor the current situation and coordinate our response
  • Investing in additional cleaning products and hand sanitizer to ensure a more hygienic learning and working environment
  • Ensuring that facility cleaning protocols continue to follow CDC guidelines for public health, especially in high-touch surfaces like handrails, doorknobs, desks, and public keyboards
  • Continuously educating and informing our students, faculty, and staff on the latest CDC recommendations for travel, personal hygiene, and illness prevention through the district's website, email, and in person

Non-Essential Travel is Restricted
All employees are restricted from non-essential travel unless the San Bernardino Community College District Interim Chancellor Jose F. Torres approves it. If you have made plans to travel domestically or internationally on approved campus-related business but would no longer wish to go, we will take care of the costs associated with your travel changes (i.e., flight or hotel cancelation fees).

Campus Events Continue Until Further Notice
Our plan at this time is to continue campus events as scheduled until Sunday, March 15. During SBCCD's spring break, from March 16 to 21, we will reassess our approach to campus events based on updated recommendations from our local health officials, the California Department of Public Health, and the CDC.

Personal Hygiene
Here are a few simple but effective steps you can take to prevent becoming ill and control the spread of viruses:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue if you cough or sneeze. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your elbow. Discard the tissue and wash your hands.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
  • If someone does become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough, they should stay away from work, school, or other people to avoid spreading illness and contact their healthcare provider if symptoms become severe.
  • N95 masks are not recommended outside a healthcare setting. Masks are recommended for individuals who are sick and are symptomatic. However, the best way to prevent the spread of germs is to stay home if you are sick.
  • Stay updated by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website or SBCCD's online resource.

Thank you for your efforts in keeping yourself and others healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

Jose F. Torres, Interim Chancellor, San Bernardino Community College District

Dr. Kevin Horan, President, Crafton Hills College

Diana Z. Rodriguez, President, San Bernardino Valley College