Dear Campus Community,

This notice is to keep you informed on the latest news on the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Los Angeles County and City of Long Beach

As of today, March 4, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Department of Public Health has declared a local and public health emergency. In addition, the City of Long Beach also declared a local health and city emergency. The County and the City have both stated that they are aggressively preparing and monitoring to help prevent Coronavirus cases from occurring.

What Does This Mean?

These declarations are not meant to put people in a panic, but to raise awareness. These efforts are to ensure that institutions like the County, the City and LBCC have the necessary equipment and resources in place if, and only if, the threat of COVID-19 escalates.

As a reminder ­– there are no confirmed cases of the Coronavirus found in the City of Long Beach to date.

Please visit LBCC’s Coronavirus website at www.LBCC.edu/Coronavirus for the latest information, tips and resources.

The website also has previous communications, including LBCC’s policy statement and CDC’s Level 3 travel notice (the highest threat level) recommending that all persons avoid nonessential travel to China. In addition, the State Department has cautioned against travel to certain countries.

Tips and Resources

We can all do our part to help to respond to this emerging public health threat. These important preventative actions include:

• Staying at home when you are sick
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Practice other healthy habits like disinfecting frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school
• The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also created a useful infograph in English and Spanish for the community.

Out of an abundance of caution, LBCC is currently finalizing a plan in reaction to the Coronavirus. This plan is designed to minimize disruption to instruction, including strategies to conduct classes remotely should this health crisis continue to develop and should it become necessary.

LBCC will continue to monitor and update you.

Marlene Drinkwine
Vice President, Business Services