Coronavirus Response

(Updated on April 3)

Spring Classes Will Be Online

• All spring classes will be online for entire quarter – including labs; more information to come 
• Spring classes will begin April 13, a week later than originally scheduled
• Campus facilities and offices are closed; student services are being provided remotely
• Click or scroll down to view more updates and to learn about online learning resources, remote services and additional support available for students and faculty members 

Resources for Students 

Resources for Faculty Members

All Employees:

• Many questions about job duties and expectations were addressed in the March 10 email from Dorene Novotny, district vice chancellor of Human Resources and Equal Opportunity 
• Nine ways parents can work at home with kids – and get stuff done (Care.com)

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The decision to hold all spring classes online was announced on March 19 through emails, text messages, social media and this website.

We will provide updates on this webpage and other channels, as needed. Bookmark this page so you can check back easily. You can click or scroll down to view messages to the campus community, and answers to frequently asked questions.

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Messages to the De Anza Community

Guidance From Health Officials

• March 31:  "Shelter in Place" Order Extended to May 3 With New Restrictions (Santa Clara County Public Health Department)
• March 19:  Statewide "Stay at Home" Order by Gov. Gavin Newsom
• March 16:  Order by Bay Area County Health Officers Directing Residents to Stay Home
• March 11:  Guidance for Large Gatherings and Other Events (California Department of Public Health) 
• March 9:  Order Requiring Cancellation of Mass Gatherings of More Than 1,000 People (Santa Clara County Public Health Department)
• March 5:  Guidance for Mass Gatherings and Large Community Events (Santa Clara County Public Health Department)
• March 3:  Guidance for Older Adults and Others with Medical Conditions (Santa Clara County Public Health Department)
• Feb. 11:  Guidance for Colleges and Universities (California Department of Public Health) 

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What are symptoms of COVID-19, the new coronavirus disease?

  Patients with confirmed 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of

  • Fever (>100.4 °F or 38°C)
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

• Who is most at risk? 

  Individuals who are elderly, have weakened immune systems, or have other underlying health conditions appear to be at risk for more severe disease. 

• How does COVID-19, the new coronavirus disease, spread? 

  Coronaviruses are transmitted through respiratory droplets from an infected person, through such means as coughing, sneezing or other  close contact. 

• What should I do to prevent the spread of infection?   

  You can take the same steps you would take to prevent the sprad of flu and other serious respiratory illnesses.

  • Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Use the inside of your arm – or even better, a tissue that you can throw away immediately
  • Wash your hands frequently, using soap and water, for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Avoid close contact with someone who is sick.

   

• Does the flu shot prevent COVID-19?

  No, the flu shot is formulated to match influenza viruses expected to be circulating in the United States during the 2019-2020 flu season. (The Bay Area is currently seeing a rising number of cases, so please get a flu shot if you have not already done so). The coronavirus is a different virus.  

• Does wearing a face mask help me if I am NOT sick?

  Health experts have generally advised people who are not sick that they don't need to wear a face mask unless they are caring for or in close contact with a sick person. As of March 31, the CDC has reportedly said it's reviewing this issue, but it has not issued any new recommendation.

  Face masks are effective in preventing droplets from a sick person from infecting others and are used by healthcare providers, family members, and others when caring for or in close contact with a sick person. Handwashing and avoiding touching your face (eyes, nose, and mouth) are the most effective method of illness prevention.

• What disinfection measures are effective?

  Standard EPA-approved cleaning products and disinfectants are effective in cleaning surfaces.

• How do I know if I might have been in contact with an infected patient?

  Health officials will take steps to trace and contact any individuals who might have had an exposure to identified patients. They will work with those individuals to monitor for any symptoms.

• If someone has recently traveled to China, should they be isolated or held in quarantine?

  Health authorities have been screening passengers traveling from Wuhan, Hubei province in China at airport points of entry in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Atlanta.

  Santa Clara County's Public Health Department has made the following recommendations

  • Students or staff members who returned to the United States from mainland China (not Hong Kong) since Feb. 3 should stay at home and call the Public Health Department at 408.885.3980 for advice about monitoring their health for 14 days from the date of their return.
  • Those who may have returned from China before Feb. 3 are not required to stay home but may wish to do so and follow the same instructions.
  • Family members of those who traveled to China are not being asked to stay at home, but should watch for symptoms and avoid large gatherings. 

• What should I do if I have a fever or have the symptoms of the flu? Do I need to be isolated?

  If you experience symptoms within 14 days of traveling in affected regions, or within 14 days of having contact with someone who is known to have COVID-19, you should make an appointment to see a medical provider.

  Students can call their primary care doctor or Valley Medical Center at 408.885.5000 and let them know you think you may have the coronavirus disease. Faculty and staff members should contact their regular health care provider.

  If you have any other illness, you should stay at home until you have gone 24 hours without a fever, to avoid infecting others.

• I am worried about friends and family in affected areas. What can I do to help?

  We know this can be a difficult time for anyone with friends or family in affected areas. We encourage you to reach out for support. If you want to meet with a counselor, please call 408.864.8868.

  You can also help your family back home by letting them know you are taking good care of yourself. The best advice for not getting sick is to practice frequent handwashing and staying out of close contact with people who might be sick. Let them know you are well, and it may comfort and reassure them.

• Where can I get the most updated information?  

  The most updated current information will come from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health.