This message was sent on behalf of Chancellor Judy C. Miner via email to Foothill-De Anza district employees.

Feb. 28, 2020

Dear Colleagues,

As the novel coronavirus continues making front page news, I am writing to let you know that the district is closely monitoring the situation and planning for whatever course the infection may take. As of today, Feb. 28, the County of Santa Clara County Public Health Department continues to report that there is no evidence that novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is circulating in Santa Clara County and that the immediate risk to the public remains low.

However, even with only a few confirmed cases in the Bay Area at this time, we must prepare for the possible spread of the virus, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC). Please be assured that we will let you know immediately if the current situation changes and share with you the latest information about precautions you can take.

To protect the public, both county and state health departments are working diligently with local health professionals and the CDC to identify people at risk for the virus based on their travel histories or close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

I join Dr. Sara Cody, the Santa Clara County’s health officer, in urging us all to resist discrimination and prejudice. Although the outbreak began in mainland China, people of Asian descent are not more likely to have the virus, Dr. Cody reports, and anyone who has not traveled to China or been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case is not likely to be sick.

It is important for all of us to stay informed about this situation so we can take care of ourselves and others. Updated information from the Santa Clara County health department is available here, and links are provided below to the web pages of state, national and world health organizations, as well as to health departments of some neighboring counties. If circumstances change, the CDC will provide local agencies with updates as new information becomes available, and we will alert you as well. In addition, both colleges have web pages with information related to COVID-19, and you may want to familiarize yourself with them now.

Meanwhile, the best way to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses –including the flu– is to take commonsense preventive measures such as frequently washing your hands, not touching your face, and covering coughs and sneezes, as described on several of the websites below.

If you do feel ill, please stay at home. You’ll recuperate faster and your colleagues will likely thank you.

Below are links to websites that will help you stay informed.

Local and state health departments

Other health agencies

Foothill and De Anza

 We will continue to monitor all developments and keep you informed.

Warm regards,
Judy

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