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 concernexternal icon” (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.
March 22, 2020
Dear VCCCD Students and Colleagues,
Yesterday we learned that a Moorpark College student recently tested positive for COVID-19 coronavirus. This is the first and only known confirmed case of COVID-19 at Moorpark College and within the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD). This student last attended classes at Moorpark College on Monday, March 9th, and has since received medical care in Los Angeles County. Students, faculty, and classified professionals who may have been in close contact with the student have been notified. We have also been in communication with Ventura County Public Health (VCPH). The incubation period for COVID-19 is 14 days. Today, Sunday, March 22st, marks 13 days since possible exposure. VCPH indicates that if you have not developed symptoms yet, it is unlikely that you will at this point. However, please be alert to symptoms and contact health providers, instructors or supervisors if COVID-19 symptoms arise. Please keep our Moorpark College student in your thoughts for a swift recovery.
We recognize this news will understandably cause concern. We have prepared for COVID-19 and will continue to do everything possible to minimize its impact in our community. We remain in close contact with local and state public health officials to ensure we are doing everything we can to keep you safe and healthy. Students transitioning to online courses should continue communicating with faculty and classified professionals with questions – we are here to help.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Chair Perez offers profound thanks and appreciation to you, our students, faculty, classified professionals, and administrators, for your efforts to move nearly our entire organization to online/virtual teaching environments so that everyone remains safe and healthy. “An effort like this has been colossal and could have only happened by the dedication and deep commitment to each other and our community. This is at the heart of who we are.”
Know that every decision we make is guided by our priority of protecting the health and safety of you and our community, in what continues to be a rapidly evolving environment. Our decisions on matters such as remote learning are driven by what science tells us: the reduction of population density helps slow the spread of the virus. We remain committed to transparency and open communication on this issue. We continue to update VCCCD Alerts. There are many valuable resources listed on this page, including college Student Health Centers, who continue to be available.
Sending you sincere appreciation for everything you are doing to keep each other and our community safe and strong.
Greg Gillespie, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Ventura County Community College District
761 East Daily Drive | Suite 200 | Camarillo, CA 93010
www.vcccd.edu | www.moorparkcollege.edu | www.oxnardcollege.edu | www.venturacollege.edu