Keeping Cal Poly Pomona Healthy

Date: 3/4/2020
From: Office of the President
Subject: Keeping Cal Poly Pomona Healthy

Dear Campus Community,

The health and wellbeing of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors are Cal Poly Pomona’s highest priorities. To that end, we are closely monitoring developments related to COVID-19 (coronavirus) and following all recommendations from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Please note that none of the U.S. cases are connected to Cal Poly Pomona, and the LA County Department of Public Health has not identified a risk to our campus.

As we continue to take all precautions as an institution, we also owe it to each other to keep ourselves and each other healthy and safe. We each need to do our part — for our own sake and for the sake of our friends, families, and colleagues. The best way to do this is by carefully following the CDC recommendations:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
• Stay home if you are sick or experiencing flu-like symptoms. Do not come to class or to work. Err on the side of staying home.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

In addition to the measures above, I ask for flexibility and compassion from the campus community. Please make all necessary accommodations for students or employees who feel they need to stay home due to illness. There may be individuals who are asked to self-isolate at home and who may have to miss up to two weeks of class or work. Individuals who become ill, but don’t need medical attention, may not have a doctor’s note or medical documentation. Each situation will be different. I hope that we will demonstrate caring and understanding as a campus community.

We have established a Health Alert website that has been up and running since January. This critical resource is being updated with the latest relevant information for the Cal Poly Pomona community related to COVID-19, including frequently asked questions, travel restrictions, guidance for faculty, and how to get treatment if you’re not feeling well. Please continue to visit the Health Alert website for the most up-to-date information as we actively monitor developments and recommendations from health authorities.