A Message From Dr. Barbara Gaba - March 16, 2020

March 16, 2020

Dear Faculty and Staff:

As we enter Spring Break, I wanted to summarize for you the action steps the college has taken over the last few weeks in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

In addition to coordination with the other institutions of higher education in New Jersey and the Atlantic and Cape May County Departments of Health, I established a Coronavirus Task Force to ensure that the College is taking all appropriate measures for the health and safety of the college community. To that end, this group will continue to meet weekly and as needed until this situation is resolved.

The group is composed of the President's Cabinet, and each Cabinet member has his/her own working group to review operating procedures and emergency plans.

I have attached that actions taken to date for your review. This list will help us prepare for future events of this type. Actions taken thus far include; reviewing our Emergency Operations Plans, meetings with local Board of Health, and State Center for Disease Control (CDC), multiple meetings with College Presidents and Deans across the State, hiring two additional part-time staff in housekeeping and increasing our cleaning and sanitizing at all three campuses, training for faculty on Blackboard preparing for online instruction, and adding an additional week for students to remain off campus as we prepare for online instruction. We will continue to add to this list as we continue to prepare and implement strategies that keep our faculty, staff and students safe.

Please remember to follow the Center for Disease Control Guidelines:

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure to this virus.  The CDC is recommending these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of this and any other respiratory viruses:

• • Cover your coughs and sneezes with tissues or your sleeve, not your hands
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Wash your hands often for at least twenty seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing.
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
  • Stay home from class and work if you are sick
  • Avoid people who are sick
  • Get a flu shot – it is not too late to be protected from the flu
  • Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces and objects

We are working closely with both the Atlantic County and Cape May County Health Departments to monitor any local virus activity and to prepare for cases that could potentially be found in our area.  We will continue to keep you informed as things develop. You can find the most up-to-date information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. A 24/7 NJ State call center is also available for information. Please call 1-800-222-1222.

Sincerely,

Dr. Barbara Gaba

President