March 12, 2020

COVID-19 Health Update

The COVID-19 outbreak is accelerating at a rapid pace. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared the outbreak a pandemic. As of yesterday, 27 individuals have been positively diagnosed with COVID-19 within Los Angeles County. The first death within L.A. County was also reported, although that person was visiting, and was not a resident.

We’re clearly in a critical time locally and across the country. The known cases in L.A. County are simply those that have officially been diagnosed, but we can assume more in the community are indeed infected with the virus. With commercial testing now available, we can expect to see an increase in the number of cases reported daily. Please remember, testing is only available when medically warranted and a medical professional has ordered it.

Even though the spread of COVID-19 is something we won’t be able to stop entirely, we must work immediately to slow its spread. This will help save lives and keep our health care system from becoming overloaded. Although hospitals are reporting a lack of tests and basic pandemic readiness supplies, they will still help those diagnosed become well again. We just need to do our part to ensure medical facilities don’t become overwhelmed.

So what can you do right now to protect yourself and others? 

• Sanitize surfaces and objects that are touched often, such as desks, countertops, doorknobs, computer keyboards, hands-on learning items, faucet handles, and phones.

• If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet this flu season, do so immediately. Student Health Services has about 40 left.

• If you are sick, even mildly, please stay home.

• Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. See the attached guidance for the proper technique.

• Hand sanitizer remains backordered across the nation. Remember that soap and water are still readily available and better than hand sanitizer at ridding your hands of microorganisms.

As you can imagine, El Camino College’s custodial staff is extremely busy with additional duties at this time. We must work together to help stop the spread of the virus and take care of our personal surroundings. This will contribute greatly to saving the lives of those around you.

Student Health Services has been, and continues to be, prepared for any suspected cases on this campus. Please call immediately at 310-660-3643 if there is any suspicion, or to have any COVID-19 related questions answered. Their nurse practitioners have been taking calls and will continue to do so. Student Health Services will be open until 5 p.m. today.

Look for the delivery and posting of relevant COVID-19 signage around campus. As Marketing and Communications gets them ready, Student Health Services is helping to distribute immediately.

Steps for Handwashing

Do Your Part to Slow the Spread of Flu

LA County Public Health: Novel coronavirus, What You Need to Know

Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks

How to Clean and Disinfect Schools to Help Slow the Spread of Flu

CDC: What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)