A computer illustration of the novel coronavirus seen microscopically, created by the Centers for Disease Control.

Prevention and Planning Key for Student and Campus Health During COVID-19 and Flu Season

Clatsop Community College is closely monitoring the outbreak of the respiratory virus, COVID-19. At this time, there are no cases of COVID-19 in Clatsop County, but concerns over the spread of the virus have prompted the college to closely monitoring the situation to make timely and prudent decisions that protect our employees and students. The college has increased preventative cleaning measures as a precaution and also increased messaging about containing the spread of germs and viruses across campus and in the community.

The virus can be spread by sneezing, coughing, or by touching surfaces that someone has sneezed or coughed on, and then touching your eyes or mouth. Symptoms for most people are likely to be similar to that of the flu or common cold, however COVID-19 can be a serious infection for the elderly and those with weakened immune systems or certain respiratory conditions.  It is also important to remember that the seasonal flu infected 35.5 million people in the US last year and that we are also still in flu season. 

The best way to prevent infection from COVID-19, as well as the much more common diseases that we encounter every day such as flu, common cold, and rhinoviruses is to regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water.   Additionally, if you have symptoms, stay home and contact your healthcare provider.  Make sure to cough or sneeze into your sleeve rather than your hands, and avoid shaking hands with others.  Wearing a mask when you are sick will help prevent giving diseases like COVID -19 to others.  Wearing a mask when you are not sick is not an effective way of keeping yourself from getting the virus.

If the virus were to become a major health problem in our area, Clatsop Community College would follow the recommendations of the US Centers for Disease Control, as well as the directions of the Oregon and Clatsop County Departments of Health.  Actions could include providing accommodations for students with weakened immune systems through the office of disability services,  or in case of a severe outbreak, a possible campus closure.   The college will communicate any emergency closures via Bandit Alert, on the college website and through local news organizations.  Up-to-date information on COVID-19 can be found at www.cdc.gov and through the Oregon Health Authority here. Frequently Asked Questions can be found here.

The college is in communication with the local health authorities and also the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) for coordination and resource sharing in response to the virus if needed. At this time, the college’s focus is on prevention.

Clatsop Community College will update this article when any relevant developments occur. This article was last updated at 10:30 am on March 5, 2020.

Non-Discrimination Declaration

It is the policy of Clatsop Community College that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the grounds of race, color, sex, gender, marital status, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment. Questions or complaints should be directed to Anita Jensen, Affirmative Action/Gender Equity (Title IX) Officer, Lower Library, Suite 102, ajensen@clatsopcc.edu (503) 338-2450; TDD : Oregon Relay- Dial 711. For Student Access Services, contact Faith Forster, Columbia Hall, Room 111, fforster@clatsopcc.edu (503) 338-2313

Accommodations

Students having questions about or a request for classroom accommodations should contact Faith Forster, Columbia Hall, Room 111,  fforster@clatsopcc.edu (503) 338-2313.   Community members having questions about or a request for special needs and accommodation should contact Anita Jensen, Lower Library, Suite 102, ajensen@clatsopcc.edu (503) 338-2450; TDD: Oregon Relay- Dial 711. Please send special needs and accommodations requests here. Contact should be made at least two business days in advance of the event.  

Declaración de no-discriminación

Es la política de Clatsop Community College que no habrá ningún tipo de discriminación o acoso por razón de raza, color, sexo, género, estado civil, religión, origen nacional, edad, orientación sexual, identidad de género o expresióno discapacidad en los programas educativos, actividades o en la contratación. Preguntas o quejas deben ser dirigidas al Anita Jensen, Oficial de Acción Afirmativa / Título IX localizada en la biblioteca, oficina número 102 , ajensen@clatsopcc.edu número de teléfono (503) 338-2450, TDD (discapacidad auditiva) marcar 711 en su teléfono. Para servicios de acceso para estudiantes, comuníquese con Faith Forster localizada en Columbia Hall, oficina número 111,  fforster@clatsopcc.edu (503) 338-2313.

Ayuda a personas discapacitadas

Estudiantes que tengan preguntas o una requieran solicitud de adaptaciones en el aula deben comunicarse con Faith Forster, localizada en Columbia Hall , oficina número 111, fforster@clatsopcc.edu (503) 338-2313. En cuanto a los miembros de la comunidad, se les pide que se comuniquen con Anita Jensen, localizada en la biblioteca, oficina número 102 , ajensen@clatsopcc.edu número de teléfono (503) 338-2450, TDD (discapacidad auditiva) marcar 711 en su teléfono. Haga el favor de notificar a la oficina para que se le pueda proporcionar apoyo. La comunicación debe tomar lugar por lo menos dos días de trabajo antes del evento por el cual se requiera tal ayuda. Para más información, vea la página Web de Clatsop Community College bajo Información en Español. 

Print
Email
Facebook
Twitter