Health updates from CIHS

Dear CIHS Community,

Promoting wellbeing is at the center of our intentions as we as a CIHS community do our part to protect public health. In this important initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, it is important to implement practices that will slow the transmission of the virus.

On March 9, I sent out a communication encouraging students and faculty who have any concerns about the virus to take advantage of the Zoom class delivery option that CIHS has implemented in all courses except for laboratory or interpersonal modality courses. The communication also encouraged administrators and on-campus employees with any concerns about possible exposure to the virus to work from home.

California is one of three US states with confirmed community transmission, and there are cases in the local area. Thursday, March 12, the County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency, issued a Order of the Health Officer, here. CIHS is therefore implementing the scenario II measures in the Higher Education Guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health, including alternates to congregate programming within the campus.

For all faculty and students, our priority continues to be that our classes proceed with minimal disruption. Friday, March 13, was the completion of the regular instruction period of Winter Quarter. Spring Quarter course meetings begin Monday, April 6. All CIHS course meetings shall be held as normally scheduled via Zoom, without physically congregating, through the next month to April 20 or until further notice. Community and public events on campus shall either be moved to Zoom or postponed, through the next month to April 20 or until further notice. All administrators and employees shall telecommute, except when it is essential to be on campus, starting Monday, March 16, going forward; to be reviewed internally on a weekly basis.

Please take care of yourself. Check in with your Program Director, or the Dean of Student Life, Dr. Nick Bustos, for any situations that are specific to you or to your teaching or learning situation. Remember that individual risk remains generally low. These measures to limit physically congregating are taken to assist the public health effort to slow the public transmission of COVID-19. Practice the basics: handwashing, enough sleep, sneezing or coughing into a tissue, staying home if you are unwell – please.

If you are worried that you may have contracted COVID-19 or been exposed, check with your health care provider and follow their advice. Everyone’s safety and wellbeing is our first priority.

The March 9 announcement, this announcement, and additional informational sources will be available on the CIHS website here.

With wishes for your best wellbeing.

Thomas Brophy, Ph.D.

President