March 11, 2020
Dear SAC Student,
In order to limit the potential transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) on campus and as a precaution for the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff, here are some of the actions the college and district are taking. Please note that there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus at Santa Ana College or at SAC’s School of Continuing Education at this time, and risk of infection to the public in Orange County is believed to be low.
So, based on recommendations from state and local health authorities, we will continue operations as normal, adding the following precautionary measures.
What We Are Doing
We continue to monitor the situation and are adapting the District Pandemic Influenza Plan accordingly. A district website went live earlier this week, and we will continue to provide updates as we have them.
We are focusing our CLEANING efforts on frequently touched surfaces such as door knobs, light switches, etc.
We are working to increase the number of HAND SANITATION stations in buildings throughout our district.
Please note, that according to the CDC, older adults (ages 60 and higher) as well as people who have serious, chronic medical conditions (like heart or lung disease) are at higher risk for contracting COVID-19 and that these individuals should avoid crowds as much as possible, as well cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
What You Can Do
Coronavirus conditions change rapidly, so we can use your help.
• Make sure that you have your teachers contact information and that they have yours so that we can ensure everyone receives updates.
• If you feel sick and have flu-like symptoms (such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing), please stay home, avoid contact with others, and consult your medical provider. Notify your instructor of your absence. For students who don’t have insurance, here is a list of Community Clinics that are “free or low cost.” If students qualify, they can be signed up at any of these for the ACA (Affordable Care Act) and be seen by a medical provider.
• If you have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, please notify your instructor immediately. Travelers including students and/or school personnel returning from a Warning Level 3 country should self quarantine for a 14-day period, and anyone who has been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 should be excluded from school for 14 days from day of last exposure.
What EVERYONE Can do
Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cover the nose and mouth with sleeve or a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
Limit contact with people who are sick.
Avoid shaking hands with others.
As media reports of COVID-19 continue, please be aware that, in conjunction with the State Chancellor’s office, the California Department of Public Health, Orange County Department of Education and the Orange County Health Care Agency, our campus and district leaders are diligently working on contingency plans to ensure the ongoing operation of our college.
If you need additional information, please refer to the district web page and if you have specific questions about COVID-19 in this area, call 800-564-8448, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or visit the website: http://www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus.
