You may have heard by now about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), a serious respiratory illness that is especially dangerous for anyone with reduced immunity. Here is some important information that Long Beach City College would like to share with you.

Our LBCC leadership, including our Business Services and Student Health Services Center, has been closely monitoring this serious global public health crisis.

There have been cases of people who have tested positive for the Coronavirus in California, including in Los Angeles and Orange County. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low for the general American public. According to the Los Angeles County Health Department, there is no immediate threat to the general public and no special precautions are required.

That said, 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
• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Practice other healthy habits like disinfecting frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school

Additionally, the Long Beach mayor recently hosted a media briefing along with the Long Beach Health Department. Although there are no confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in Long Beach, the City has been in contact with the CDC, state and Los Angeles County health departments. You can also sign up for Provider Health Alerts from the City of Long Beach.

LBCC has established a website with communications to the campus community, and resources. Please check www.LBCC.edu/Coronavirus for updates.

You can also get the latest information on COVID-19 from the CDC website.

The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is Long Beach City College’s top priority. Out of an abundance of caution, Academic Affairs, in consultation with faculty leadership, is preparing 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. Preliminary information will be shared with the campus community in an email that will be sent out tomorrow. 

LBCC will continue to monitor and update you on this evolving situation.