Contingency Planning in the Face of Uncertainty:
Just to make things more interesting around here, we are now trying to forecast how and when COVID-19 may hit North San Diego County and determine the District's probable response. Given how some colleges in California and throughout the US are currently responding, it is prudent to consider possible impacts to our students and classes, including how we might provide online or remote instruction while protecting the integrity of our courses.
Deciding to put our courses online is a difficult decision to make. Determining the timing of a potential closure, the metrics that would prompt a closure, and the ability to reopen the campus quickly are of prime importance.
The California Community Colleges Chancellor's office has a webpage with several contingency plans, including an "Emergency Temporary Distance Learning Addendum" which would allow students to receive credit if we are forced to close our campus.
The District has a webpage with updates to keep us apprised of the quickly changing circumstances.
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is taking the COVID-19 epidemic very seriously. Click here to view the AFT Toolkit.
All of these resources provide similar advice about hygiene, keeping a safe distance from other people, and frequent hand washing.
Bottom Line:
North County does not seem to be immediate danger, but COVID-19 is traveling fast. If we do start to see local cases we may have to move quickly to help slow the spread of the virus. PFF is currently working with the District to negotiate working conditions related to COVID-19 to mitigate any harm to our bargaining unit in the event of quarantine. Obviously, continue to wash your hands more often, don't touch your face, and if you feel ill, please stay home! Your Union will keep you apprised of any changes or developments as soon as we hear about them.