External Information and Resources
Washington Department of Health https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus, call center 1-800-525-0127 and press #
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
World Health Organization https://www.who.int/
Clallam County http://www.clallam.net/coronavirus/index.html, COVID-19 hotline (360) 417-2430
Jefferson County Public Health https://www.jeffersoncountypublichealth.org/1429/COVID-19
Peninsula College will update this page when any relevant developments occur. Last udpated: 03/19/2020
What is the current status of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) at Peninsula College?
We are at a critical point in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Clallam and Jefferson County health experts agree that in order to “flatten the curve” of this outbreak, we must use the next 15 days to our best advantage. As a college community, we can do this by eliminating face to face work conditions where possible, observing appropriate social distancing when interacting with others, and continuing to observe universal precautions and enhanced cleaning protocols. Fortunately our spring break coincides with that 15 day window of opportunity. That was the main reason for moving staff to remote work through April 3. We have an ethical responsibility to do whatever we can to help slow the spread of this pandemic.
In addition, Peninsula College will delay the start of spring quarter to April 13 and move in-person classes, excluding some ProfTech and labs, online. Those classes that do continue to meet in person will follow appropriate social distancing guidelines. This plan will be followed until at least midnight April 24, with regular operations tentatively scheduled to resume April 27.
For continually updated information from PC, please view our news section: https://pencol.edu/news
If the situation at PC changes, how will I find out?
If PC were to change regular business hours or experiences an emergency, information will be posted on the opening screen of the PC website, sent via text message for PC Alert subscribers, emailed to students, faculty, and staff PC email accounts, and a message will be posted on the college's social media channels.
How will Peninsula College make decisions about COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)?
External public health officials are the content experts on the virus and other medical matters.
We follow the recommendations and guidelines provided by the county public health district and Governor Jay Inslee. Any decision to cancel events or close will be made based on their recommendations.
What should I do if I suspect a student, faculty member, staff member, or visitor appears to be sick?
According to the Clallam County Department of Health and Human Services and Jefferson County Public Health, students, faculty and staff should remain home if they are ill. Faculty and staff are encouraged to remind students to stay home if they are sick and to make accommodations for students who do need to remain home during illness.
Continue to monitor communications from PC and local and state public health for any changes in guidance.
As new information emerges, please remember that the risk of COVID-19 is not at all connected with race, ethnicity or nationality. Stigma will not help to fight the illness.
How is PC working to reduce the risk of COVID-19?
We continue to remind our students, faculty and staff to practice good hygiene and take precautions normally used to help prevent the spread of colds and viruses during flu season.
In addition, enhanced cleaning protocols are in place.
For Students
Feeling stressed or anxious in situations that are uncertain and evolving is normal. We recommend the following steps:
• Find credible sources you can trust to avoid any panic that can be caused by misinformation.
• Check our website and social media channels for PC updates.
• And, since as a student you are automatically signed up for PC's Alert system you’ll get important messages sent right to your cell phone.
PC offers the following services to students:
• The Peninsula College C.A.R.E. Team connects students, faculty and staff with resources to help them be successful and safe.
• On campus Mental Health Counseling Services: free, short-term counseling when classes are in session. To schedule an appointment, call (360) 417-6340.
For Faculty and Staff
Feeling stressed or anxious in situations that are uncertain and evolving is normal. We recommend the following in addition to the above steps for students: the Washington State Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, confidential program created to promote the health, safety and well-being of public employees. They’ve posted a new handout on coping with disease outbreak.
The college intranet (SharePoint) has Human Resources related information for employees.
