Student Services Building Remodel Student Services are temporarily located in alternate locations.
Student Services Building Remodel Student Services are temporarily located in alternate locations.
I wish that I had better news to tell you today about Fresno County’s COVID 19 situation, but the news isn’t good for us. Instead of making improvements, Fresno County and other counties in the Central Valley have suffered a setback. Governor Gavin Newsom announced yesterday that all counties in the Central Valley have reverted to the Purple Tier from the Red Tier that we experienced for only a few short weeks. This means that many businesses will close again and other restrictions will return to the county.
This happened because the daily positivity rates are increasing despite all efforts and pleas for people to help curb the spread of the virus. While Fresno County was in the Red Tier for two weeks, the last week of October and the first week of November, the positivity numbers jumped exponentially. The newest figures show an increase in COVID-19 cases per day. The total cases jumped 604 just this past weekend. Positive cases average over 200 per day in Fresno County. Fresno County has suffered 460 deaths this year.
So, what does that mean for us? We are continuing our essential services as before – First Responder and Medical programs will continue. Drive-thru Ram Pantry Efforts will continue follow the protocols for safe outdoor activity. We will continue to provide the essential services and instruction as we have for the past several months – primarily online. Plans to bring back additional services and activities on-site and indoors are on hold.
Which leads me to our planned Drive-thru Employee Recognition Ceremony on Friday. While the plans were reviewed and approved, out of an abundance of caution, we are regrettably postponing our celebration out of concern for our overall public health during this once in a lifetime pandemic.
During these past few months we have carefully and faithfully followed the COVID 19 protocols provided by state and local public health officials. We continue to make the safety and health of students and staff our priority. This is where you come in. We also need you to make the safety and health of students and staff your priority. You can do this by following COVID 19 protocols, especially if you have any symptoms. If you are experiencing any symptoms, stay home. We also recommend that you get tested for COVID 19. There are a number of testing sites in Fresno County including here at Fresno City College (COVID testing). Symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.
All of us need to do our part in helping curb this crisis. We know as the holidays approach it will be a difficult time to celebrate in traditional ways. But this crisis is not letting up. We need you to stay home and keep others safe especially if you are experiencing symptoms.
Please remember if you need to come to campus, regardless of the reason, please advise your Dean and complete the Request to Enter Campus Form as required by AB 685.
We need you all to be healthy, please wear a mask and wash your hands frequently.
Thanks to all, and wishing you all good health and happiness in these difficult times.
Dr. Carole Goldsmith
President
Fresno City College
