Cerritos College Announces Conversion to Online Learning and Activation of Emergency Operational Procedures Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2020
Media Contact: Aya Abelon, Public Affairs; (562) 653-7878
NORWALK, Calif. – March 13, 2020 – Cerritos College announced its decision to move classes online and activate its Emergency Operational Procedures to implement additional preventative strategies to limit the potential spread and transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) on campus.
At this time, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus at Cerritos College.
"Cerritos College's Crisis Management Response Team continues to monitor the developments of coronavirus (COVID-19) on campus and in the local community. Our main priority is to ensure the safety of students and employees, and to make sure we are doing everything possible to curb the potential spread of COVID-19. We have implemented additional measures to reduce foot traffic on campus, including moving classes to an online format, cancelling events, limiting meetings to an internet based platform, and reducing non-essential travel," said Dr. Jose Fierro, President/Superintendent. "We are diligently working with local, state, and federal agencies to monitor for new developments, and are prepared to take the necessary actions to keep our campus safe."
Over the last several weeks, Cerritos College has activated its Emergency Operations Team to create a coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak Plan, and launched a web page dedicated to providing regular campus updates about the College's efforts to mitigate COVID-19. Additional preventative measures include enhanced operational practices, including disinfecting campus spaces with focused attention on high-traffic areas. Cerritos College continues to follow guidelines set by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, California Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the California Community College Chancellor's Office.
Conversion to Online Learning Environment
March 16 to March 22: The campus will recess to spring break as previously scheduled. There will be no instruction, and operations will continue as normal. We will implement social distancing measures (remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance-approximately 6 feet or 2 meters-from others when possible). Some hours may be adjusted.
March 23 to March 29: Classes are cancelled during this week. The College will utilize this time to transition to online instruction. Social distancing will continue.
March 30: Classes will resume in an online learning environment or in modified format through the end of the term.
Campus Meetings - Effective Immediately
While the college remains open, all committees must convert to alternative meeting formats.
Campus Events - Cancelled through April 30, 2020
Per the Office of the Governor, non-essential gatherings must be limited to no more than 250 people, while smaller events can proceed only if the organizers can implement social distancing of 6 feet per person. Gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should be limited to no more than 10 people, while also following social distancing guidelines.
Effective Monday, March 16 through April 30, all Cerritos College events, fundraisers, and external organizations renting facilities must be cancelled to limit the potential spread of COVID-19.
Travel - Effective Immediately
Faculty, staff, and students are strongly discouraged from travel to protect community health.
For more information about Cerritos College's efforts concerning COVID-19, please visit: https://www.cerritos.edu/shs/covid-19.htm
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