Coronavirus News Update
This information on COVID-19 is being provided to keep students, faculty and staff apprised of this evolving situation, and we will update it as needed with information relevant to the campus community.
For information and resources about COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) and PC FAQ click here.
Hello Peninsula College student,
We want to let you know that Peninsula College is monitoring the rapidly developing health situation in our state. Our campus community’s health and safety is our highest priority.
We have posted some basic information about the COVID-19 illness caused by a novel coronavirus on the Peninsula College website, and steps that we all can take to reduce our risk of illness. Though we all know them well, they should be practiced daily to minimize risk of common colds and other infectious diseases like flu: washing hands frequently and thoroughly, avoiding touching eyes, nose, etc., and coughing into a tissue or crook of the arm. If you are feeling unwell, particularly if you begin to suffer flu-like symptoms, please stay home from school, notify your instructor, and contact a medical provider if needed.
The immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low, according to the Washington State Department of Health. We don’t know if the virus will spread into our area or how that would impact our college, but we are preparing so that we will be ready to take fast action if needed. We are reviewing and updating our emergency management plans so that we understand what actions we would take should there be an outbreak in our area and we are implementing our health and safety cleaning protocols as a preventative measure. All college activities are continuing as planned at this time.
As new information emerges, please remember that the risk of novel coronavirus is not at all connected with race, ethnicity or nationality. Sharing accurate information during a time of heightened concern is one of the best things we can do to keep rumors and misinformation from spreading.
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.
- Follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about preventing the spread of the virus.
- We'll do our best to share up-to-date facts on our website.
- 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.
Again, the best thing you can do right now is practice good hygiene – wash your hands often, sanitize frequently touched surfaces and stay home when you're sick.
Thank you, and we will keep you posted on any future developments.
Hello PC Faculty & Staff,
We wanted to let you know that Peninsula College is continuing to monitor the rapidly developing health situation in our state. Our campus community’s health and safety is our highest priority.
On the Peninsula College website we are posting some basic information about the COVID-19 illness caused by a novel coronavirus, updates to our community, steps that we all can take to reduce our risk of illness, and links to resources.
We don’t know if the illness (COVID-19) will spread into our area or how that would impact our college. But we are preparing and planning so that we will be ready to take fast action if needed. We are reviewing and updating our emergency management plans so that we understand what actions we would take should there be an outbreak in our area. Here are a few specific items being addressed now:
- Pulling together the college incident response team to review responsibilities and readiness
- Working on communications: faculty/staff and students
- Implementing our health and safety cleaning protocols as a preventative measure
- Beginning conversations about classes, events and teleworking should the college need to close
As new information emerges, please remember that the risk of COVID-19 is not at all connected with race, ethnicity or nationality. Sharing accurate information during a time of heightened concern is one of the best things we can do to keep rumors and misinformation from spreading.
All college activities are continuing as planned at this time. The Washington State Department of Health currently states that the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low. If you have plans to travel, consult the following resources: World Health Organization (WHO) travel advice and/or Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel health notices.
We understand you may have a lot of questions and may be feeling anxious. We will keep you informed as quickly as possible as planning and preparation evolves and increases. The best thing you can do right now is practice good hygiene – wash your hands often, sanitize frequently touched surfaces and stay home when you're sick.
Novel coronavirus, now called COVID-19, has captured global attention as cases have appeared around the world, beginning in late 2019. This information is being provided to keep students, faculty and staff apprised of this evolving situation, and we will update it as needed with information relevant to the campus community.
PC has an active pandemic response that we are following as part of our comprehensive emergency management plan. We are closely watching developments nationally and internationally relating to COVID-19, we are working with local health officials, and will keep the college community informed as necessary.
What are the symptoms COVID-19?
Symptoms of coronavirus are similar to flu or colds and may include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, runny nose, headache, sore throat, and general feeling of being unwell.
What can I do to prevent COVID-19 infection?
Currently, the risk to general public is low, but here are some steps you can take to prevent infection:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol based hand sanitizer with 60 percent alcohol concentration or greater if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
• Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill.
What should I do if I think I am infected?
According to Harvard Medical School:
Call your health care provider first for advice. It’s far more likely to be the flu or another viral illness. If you do not have a doctor and you are concerned that you may have coronavirus, contact your local board of health. They can direct you to the best place for evaluation and treatment in your area. Only people with symptoms of severe respiratory illness should seek medical care in the ER. Severe symptoms are rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, high or very low temperatures, confusion, trouble breathing, severe dehydration. Call ahead to tell the ER that you are coming so they can be prepared for your arrival.
Erasing Stigma
Concern over the spread of coronavirus has resulted in incidents of bias and harassment against people of Asian heritage within our state. Peninsula College is committed to equity and inclusion, and will not tolerate harassment against individuals or groups of any nationality. For more on coronavirus and stigma, visit http://bit.ly/2PwZI4e.