Dear Community: 

We continue to monitor developments with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) through information provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and public health organizations. As we work closely with TCCs Emergency Management team and these agencies, we want to assure you that we are preparing plans for various levels of concern. Your safety and well-being are our top priority. 

As of yesterday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Department of Public Health declared a local and public health emergency in response to increased spread of coronavirus across the country and six additional cases in LA County. Public Health stated that none of the new cases are from community spread, and all of these new cases were exposed to COVID-19 through close contacts. None of these cases were linked to the first case reported in LA County in January.

Although there is no current need for significant social distancing measures in LA County, and the individual risk for contracting COVID-19 remains low for most individuals in the County, all community members should take the opportunity to plan for the possibility of more significant social distancing requirements should there be broad community spread. Personal preparation measures include:

  • Having an ample supply of essentials at home (including water, food, hygiene, medications, and pet food);
  • Planning for the possibility of business disruptions, school closures, and modifications/cancellations of select public events;
  • Practicing simple social distancing strategies that limit your exposure to others who may be ill (verbal salutations in place of handshakes and hugs, not sharing utensils, cups and linens, staying six feet apart from others at public events).

As with other respiratory infections, there are steps that everyone can take to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus.

The best ways to prevent the spread of respiratory infections, including novel coronavirus, are:

  • Get immunized against the flu to protect yourself and your family, and reduce the potential strain on the healthcare system, which may be impacted by COVID-19 concerns.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Disinfect common surfaces. Viruses that cause colds and flu can survive on common surfaces for up to 72 hours. Don’t forget to use disinfecting products on phone receivers, doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls. ***KGI’s cleaning crew is taking extra care to clean/disinfect frequently touched public surfaces***
  • Drink water. Water can help strengthen your immune system, keeping flu at bay. Water flushes your system, rehydrates you and washes out the toxins.
  • If you have a fever of 100.4 or higher, have open rashes/sores (most rashes/sores remain closed), are coughing/sneezing a lot, or are feeling ill, please stay home and seek medical assistance. Sick people make well people sick.

Please know that our student population have been receiving regular updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in regard to precautions and travel advisories.  Dean Martinez sent a communication including the attached Coronavirus FAQs to our students on February 29.  Due to ever changing circumstances, the attached FAQs particularly in regard to travel restrictions/warnings may not be the most current.  

The CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Warning Level 2 and 3 Countries.  Conditions can change rapidly in a country at any time. To receive updated Travel Advisories and Alerts visit https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices.  

Per the CDC and the Public Health departments the cancellation of public events or travel within the United States is not recommended at this time. We will continue to follow the recommendations of these officials.  If you have concerns in regard to school/work related travel or planned trips, please work with your supervisor or Academic Affairs.

For your reference, attached is KGI’s Communicable Disease and Illness policy. If you have any questions in regard to the policy, please contact Human Resources at hr@kgi.edu

We will continue to provide information to our community as we receive updates from governmental and local agencies.  Be sure to check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about novel coronavirus:

Be well.

Cheryl Merritt
Assistant Vice President of Human Resources and Employee Engagement

Cynthia Martinez
Dean of Students

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