KCCD Trustees, Faculty, Staff, and Administrators:

May 5, 2020

In times of crisis, the character and very foundations of society can be tested severely. I am proud to say that the students, faculty, staff, and administrators across the Kern Community College District should be commended for their patience, fortitude, collegiality and perseverance as we all navigate the changes forced upon us by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Kern Community College District and our Board of Trustees continue to work to ensure the best possible outcomes for the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff as well as the forward progress of our students’ education. In spite of the major shift from in-person to online educational opportunities, our students are still learning the vital skills and information they need for a bright future. We are pleased to be able to continue providing an education to our 31,000 students.

I assure you that we are diligently and carefully considering the best options for the 2020 summer and fall semesters, as well as the addition of courses that will help those who have lost their jobs due to closure pivot to a new career with updated and pertinent skills. We are also closely monitoring state and federal information to best position our colleges and students for moving forward without undue or oppressive financial burdens.

The District will face many challenges in the near future due to the pandemic’s impact on our fellow citizens and the national and state economies. However, based on the work and efforts shown by all KCCD constituents since March, I am confident of positive results as we continue to move forward in the current situation. Although we do not know the length of time or the breadth of changes that will take place, I assure you that in the end, we will be better teachers, students, workers, family members, and citizens than we were before. This hardship is temporary, and the District and Colleges will persevere and use these experiences to benefit our families, communities, and society.

Wishing you a restful and enjoyable summer.

Stay safe, stay healthy!

Tom Burke
Chancellor
Kern Community College District

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KCCD Classified Staff, Faculty, and Administrators:

March 20, 2020

The Board of Trustees held a Special Meeting yesterday and passed a Resolution Declaring Emergency Conditions Exist at KCCD and Authorization to Take Action Related to COVID-19. The Trustees expressed their support and appreciation for the efforts everyone is making during this transition.

All KCCD locations (BC, CC, PC and DO) have or are in the process of suspending all on-site functions that can be performed remotely. Many employees are transitioning to remote work. Only employees who are required to perform essential operations and support requiring District on site infrastructure will be at our work locations and many of those employees will be on a hybrid schedule, only onsite when necessary.

For faculty, staff, administrators and student workers, your supervisor and campus leadership will provide you with details, and work with all employees to establish remote work or alternate schedules, along with staffing needed to maintain essential operations and support. We recognize that working remotely will result in work being different in many instances. You will be provided information and support to help this transition. Thank you for your cooperation as we reduce the number of employees at our locations.. By reducing the number of employees on site and alternating their schedules, KCCD is doing our part to recognize the recommendation of social distancing and protect our staff and students from COVID-19.

All employees faculty, staff, administrators and student workers, whether working on-site or working remotely from home, will continue to get paid for normal work hours throughout the duration of this situation. Details and work plans currently taking place and moving forward will be communicated directly to you by your supervisor.

Administration and/or your department managers will be sending out information on a routine basis as new information becomes available. Now that we have the majority of our staff and faculty working remotely, I believe we are entering a phase of stability regarding KCCD’s response to this emergency. These are unprecedented times and KCCD and all of its campuses have risen to the occasion. I want to thank each and every one of you for making this conversion to a virtual District and College extremely successful. I am proud to be your Chancellor.

Tom Burke

Campus Updates

• Bakersfield College

  https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/covid19

• Cerro Coso College

  https://www.cerrocoso.edu/campus-safety/coronavirus-what-you-need-know
  https://www.rrh.org/news-updates/2020/march/coronavirus-video-update-from-rrh-rpd/

• Porterville College

  https://www.portervillecollege.edu/security/coronavirus-updates

Coronavirus Links

• California Community College Chancellor’s Office

  Chancellor's Office Communications to Colleges

• Miscellaneous Links

  CDC Coronavirus General Information Page
  California Department of Public Health Coronavirus Information Page
  Latest Update from the California Department of Public Health
  COVID-19 Visual Data Pack
  Kern County Department of Public Health COVID-19 Update Page
  

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All Employees:

In order to comply with the explicit declarations of Federal, State, and County officials and to further act in accord with the known and accepted scientific efforts to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the following guidelines are provided to District Managers, Supervisors, and Employees. It is desired that to the greatest extent possible, District operations are accomplished by having employees work remotely from home (telecommute) beginning Wednesday, March 18. Remote work will continue based on the evolving COVID-19 situation and we will communicate this to you through your campus administration.

The colleges and District Office have identified the essential functions and essential personnel needed to maintain basic operations.

Current Situation during COVID-19 Pandemic Medical Emergency – General

All KCCD locations (BC, CC, PC and DO) have suspended all non-essential on-campus/site functions. Many employees have transitioned to working remotely. Only employees who are required to maintain essential operations and support will be on locations.

For faculty, staff , and student workers, your supervisor and campus leadership have provided the details and been working with all employees to establish remote work or alternate schedules and have identified staffing needed to maintain essential operations and support. We recognize that working remotely will result in work being different in many instances. You have been provided information and support to help this transition. Thank you for your cooperation as we reduce the number of employees on at our locations.

All employees (faculty, staff , and student workers, whether working on-site or working remotely from their home, will continue to get paid for their normal hours throughout the duration of this situation. Details and work plans now and moving forward will be communicated directly to employees by their supervisors.

Working Remotely From Home

Supervision/Management, in discussion and communication with each employee will determine the extent of remote work or telecommuting from home versus essential work on-site on a regular or alternate schedule. Some employees may be required to work both remotely and on-site on a rotating basis.

• All of our locations remain open for the performance of essential operations and services with the minimal level of staffing needed to perform certain functions. Employees will at minimum work remotely via email and phone. IT will work to help employees requiring specialized access to get that set up for work at home where possible. The type of work that occurs remotely may be different and all specific job functions may not be able to be met through remote work. This is understood and we appreciate flexibility from supervisors and employees. Many meetings will occur in a remote format.
• Employee numbers on-site will be reduced to allow for proper social distancing.
• For employees working on-site remember to:
  • WASH hands frequently
  • NOT TOUCH eyes, nose, mouth with unwashed hands
  • SNEEZE/COUGH into a tissue covering the nose & mouth or into a sleeved elbow
  • Keep a safe “SOCIAL DISTANCE“ of 6’ from others

Employees Over 60 Years Old and/or Employees with Health Conditions that Cause Increased Vulnerability to COVID-19

The District has accepted the recommendation of Governor Newsome and until further notice, employees over 60 years old and/or those who have verified health conditions that cause increased vulnerability to COVID-19 are to be off-site and, if possible, working from home. Please reference the “Working Remotely from Home” section above.

Illness and Leave for Employees Working On-site or Become Ill at Home and are Unable to Work Remotely

1. Any employee who feels ill/sick is to simply stay away from the workplace.
   • If sick leave is available, the employee is to use it.
   • If sick leave is exhausted and the employee has other leave, the employee may use the other leave to cover the absence.
   • If there are no other leaves available, only then will the employee be placed on paid administrative leave.
2. If in the estimation of Supervision/Management an employee appears at work and, appears to be obviously ill/sick, and in particular if the employee is showing the symptoms of COVID-19 (see attached), Supervision/Management is to:
   • Send the employee away from the workplace on Paid Sick Leave (if available) or other paid leave (if available) or as a last resort, paid administrative leave (if no leave is available); and, inform the employee s/he is not to return to work unless certified to do so by a Doctor.

Should you have any questions or comments regarding any of the foregoing, or any questions as to what changes are occurring as the District copes with the impacts of the COVID-19 virus, please do not hesitate to contact your campus or the District Human Resources Department.

A Message from Chancellor Tom Burke

March 4, 2020

Students, Faculty, and Staff:

We understand your concerns related to the Coronavirus and would like you to know that we are meeting with Bakersfield, Cerro Coso and Porterville colleges’ leadership teams to stay informed and discuss action plans in the event the Coronavirus is detected in any of the counties we serve.

Your health and safety is of primary concern to not only me, but also the Board of Trustees, District and College leadership.

As of today, March 4, 2020, there are no school closures in California; and Bakersfield, Cerro Coso and Porterville colleges are open. Officials expect the number of COVID-19 cases to rise in California with cases already increasing in other parts the United States. We are maintaining close, regular contact with state and Kern County public health officials to stay informed.

The most important thing you can do is to be actively informed. There is no vaccine currently available to prevent the Coronavirus but you can take preventative steps, such as:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick to avoid exposing others.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask. CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility)

Handwashing can help prevent illness. It involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) you can take to reduce the spread of illness so you can stay healthy. Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. It’s quick and simple and can keep us all from getting sick. Wash your hands often 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. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

If students have questions or concerns they can visit the College Health Centers at Bakersfield and Porterville College. Students at Cerro Coso College or outlying campuses should visit any nearby urgent care. Whether you are a student, faculty, or staff, if you feel sick, you should contact your health provider immediately. We want you to be appropriately cared for.

We will be updating this page as needed. Stay informed with this changing situation. Know that we will be working to get you the most current information available in this rapidly changing situation. We ask that you remain flexible as we process this situation and collaborate together in making important decisions to keep our students, faculty, and staff safe.

Tom Burke
Chancellor

Coronavirus Background

CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in 60 locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).

On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). On January 31, 2020, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency (PHE) for the United States to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to COVID-19.

Source and Spread of the Virus

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people such as with MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and now with this new virus (named SARS-CoV-2).

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is a betacoronavirus, like MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV.  All three of these viruses have their origins in bats. The sequences from U.S. patients are similar to the one that China initially posted, suggesting a likely single, recent emergence of this virus from an animal reservoir.

Early on, many of the patients at the epicenter of the outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China had some link to a large seafood and live animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. Later, a growing number of patients reportedly did not have exposure to animal markets, indicating person-to-person spread. Person-to-person spread was subsequently reported outside Hubei and in countries outside China, including in the United States. Some international destinations now have apparent community spread with the virus that causes COVID-19, meaning some people have been infected who are not sure how or where they became infected. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses.

How COVID-19 Spreads

Current understanding about how the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreads is largely based on what is known about similar coronaviruses. COVID-19 is a new disease and there is more to learn about how it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, and to what extent it may spread in the United States.

Person-to-person spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

• People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
• Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How easily does the virus spread?

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained. The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

Risk Assessment

Outbreaks of novel virus infections among people are always of public health concern. The risk from these outbreaks depends on characteristics of the virus, including how well it spreads between people, the severity of resulting illness, and the medical or other measures available to control the impact of the virus (for example, vaccine or treatment medications). The fact that this disease has caused illness, including illness resulting in death, and sustained person-to-person spread is concerning. These factors meet two of the criteria of a pandemic. As community spread is detected in more and more countries, the world moves closer toward meeting the third criteria, worldwide spread of the new virus.

While there is still much to learn about the unfolding situations in California, Oregon and Washington, preliminary information raises the level of concern about the immediate threat for COVID-19 for certain communities in the United States. The potential public health threat posed by COVID-19 is very high, to the United States and globally.

At this time, however, most people in the United States will have little immediate risk of exposure to this virus. This virus is NOT currently spreading widely in the United States. However, it is important to note that current global circumstances suggest it is likely that this virus will cause a pandemic. This is a rapidly evolving situation and the risk assessment will be updated as needed.

Current risk assessment:

• For the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.
• People in communities where ongoing community spread with the virus that causes COVID-19 has been reported are at elevated though still relatively low risk of exposure.
• Healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 are at elevated risk of exposure.
• Close contacts of persons with COVID-19 also are at elevated risk of exposure.
• Travelers returning from affected international locations where community spread is occurring also are at elevated risk of exposure.

CDC has developed guidance to help in the risk assessment and management of people with potential exposures to COVID-19.

What May Happen

More cases of COVID-19 are likely to be identified in the coming days, including more cases in the United States. It’s also likely that person-to-person spread will continue to occur, including in communities in the United States. It’s likely that at some point, widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the United States will occur.

Widespread transmission of COVID-19 would translate into large numbers of people needing medical care at the same time. Schools, childcare centers, workplaces, and other places for mass gatherings may experience more absenteeism. Public health and healthcare systems may become overloaded, with elevated rates of hospitalizations and deaths. Other critical infrastructure, such as law enforcement, emergency medical services, and transportation industry may also be affected. Health care providers and hospitals may be overwhelmed. At this time, there is no vaccine to protect against COVID-19 and no medications approved to treat it. Nonpharmaceutical interventions would be the most important response strategy.

Symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure*:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Call your healthcare professional if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.

Prevention

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to  others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Handwashing can help prevent illness. It involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) you can take to reduce the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illness so you can stay healthy. Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick. Handwashing is a win for everyone, except the germs. Wash your hands often 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.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions. People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Department of Public Health

The Kern County Public Health Services Department has been working diligently to help ensure the community is prepared to respond to any public health threat from the novel coronavirus. The health department has been monitoring return travelers, and working closely with the CDC, the California Department of Public Health and with local community partners to ensure that information is received in a timely manner and that local partners have all the tools needed to implement plans to respond to potential COVID-19 infections. There are no specific individual prevention measures for this illness so following general prevention practices are a good way to reduce risk of illness:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then discard tissue in the trash.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

For more in-depth information and to stay up-to-date with current conditions please visit the Kern County Public Health website at https://kernpublichealth.com/2019-novel-coronavirus/