KCC to remain open and implement precautions in response to novel coronavirus recommendations

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KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Klamath Community College knows that the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) throughout Oregon is of concern to our students, staff, and community. KCC will remain open and is proactively preparing the campus for a coordinated response to COVID-19, while adhering to new statewide guidelines for workplaces and schools to prevent virus transmission.

“The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority,” said KCC President Dr. Roberto Gutierrez. “The college is in close contact with local health authorities and is taking the recommended precautions to ensure our students have a safe and healthful environment to learn in.”

Gov. Kate Brown announced the new guidelines in a news conference this morning. She said they are based on recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Oregon public health experts, epidemiologists, and health professionals.

The state does not recommend that Oregon’s colleges close at this time, and KCC will stay open and operational. However, based on the guidelines, KCC will cancel any field trips or off-campus group activities for classes and student clubs. KCC will also implement distancing measures, including increasing physical space between employees in offices and worksites, limiting in-person meetings, limiting travel when necessary, and staggering work schedules when possible. The college does not currently have any large gatherings of 250 people or more planned to take place in the next four weeks.

In response to COVID-19, KCC Facilities staff is spending extra time cleaning campus buildings, making high traffic areas and common touchpoints a high priority. Additional supplies for sanitizing buildings are being used for the safety of our students, faculty, and staff.

As of March 12, one case of presumptive COVID-19 has been confirmed in Klamath County. The case is not related to the KCC campus. The College is currently monitoring news coverage and recommendations at the state and local level.

“We will work to continually communicate our response plan to all faculty, staff and students to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date,” Gutierrez said.

KCC embraces technology and should the need arise, the College will utilize technology to ensure continuance of College courses and operations. KCC is currently working to improve students’ online access to resources in Student Services and academics, and will communicate any changes in campus accessibility or course delivery immediately.

Please visit www.klamathcc.edu/en-US/About/News-and-Events/COVID-19 for information about KCC’s response to COVID-19 and resources for preventing spread of the virus.