From the Desk of CBC President Dr. Hoggard: COVID-19 Update

March 14, 2020 

Coastal Bend College Students, Faculty, and Staff:

Yesterday, March 13, I met with the Cabinet, the Deans, and our IT staff. Out of an abundance of caution, we decided to extend spring break for students through Tuesday March 17. The Provost and Deans will be working with faculty and staff on Monday March 16 and Tuesday March 17 in a manner to allow the College to resume classes online,  albeit a modified manner, while at the same time acting prudently in the face of a wide-spread epidemic.

We are monitoring the COVID-19 situation with local officials to ensure we take appropriate measures. To that end, the College will be posting a contingency plan for the foreseeable future. We will post this on the website and on social media. We are also aware that we cannot move all courses to an online platform. We are taking that into account and will include in our plan direction for our Career Technology and Education (CTE) programs Monday evening.

We also know that some students will need computer labs to complete assignments. We will be directing students to labs where we can maintain monitor and clean periodically through the day.  

I understand these past few weeks have been challenging. Please be patient. Our immediate concern is moving forward while we do our due diligence to ensure we provide a healthy working and learning environment. However, anyone who does not feel well, is running a fever, or may exhibit flu-like systems, please stay home. Seek medical advice by calling your health care provider.   

For more information regarding COVID-19 please see the following websites: 

Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html 

World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 

Based on their guidance, here are some tips to help keep you and your family healthy: 

•        Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds, using soap and water. 

•        Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. 

•        Cover your cough or sneeze with tissue or your sleeve (not your hand). 

•        Use hand sanitizer when you don’t have access to running water. 

•        Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 

•        Stay home when you are sick. Monitor yourself for fever, cough, and shortness of breath (symptoms of Coronavirus). Seek medical attention immediately if you may have been exposed. 

•        Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. •        Avoid traveling to areas where there is a COVID-19 outbreak. 

We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you apprised of new developments. 

Respectfully,  

Dr. Justin Hoggard 

CBC President