The health and safety of members of the Peralta community continues to be our top priority. In response to emerging information regarding the transmission of COVID-19 in the State of California, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency. While there are confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Alameda County, there are no confirmed cases in the Peralta Community College District (“Peralta CCD”).
On March 6, 2020, the Chancellor’s office was notified that a person employed at an off-campus facility where Peralta CCD has a clinical course came into contact with a healthcare worker that provided services to a patient that had a confirmed case of COVID-19. The healthcare worker’s exposure happened while performing professional medical duties. Per District protocol, Peralta CCD leadership convened its Emergency Operations Center (“EOC”). Subsequently, the EOC contacted the Alameda County Public Health Department to apprise them of this information and to seek guidance on best practices for its response.
The Alameda County Public Health Department advised the EOC of the federal government’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (“CDC”) most recent guidance on COVID-19. The CDC risk level for the type of contact described above is “low risk” (for additional information on Risk Levels see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/risk-assessment.html).
We are monitoring the situation closely and will continue to provide updates via the Peralta Health Services COVID-19 page. Additionally, the Department of General Services will distribute hand sanitizer in high use areas around the campuses, and instruct custodial teams on best practices for cleaning high touch areas (such as door handles and elevator buttons) on campuses.
Based on presently available information, Peralta CCD courses, operations, and activities will continue to occur as scheduled. That said, the District is also developing contingency plans in the event that we need to suspend operations or close the college campuses or district offices.
Students, faculty, or staff with questions about COVID-19 should contact Peralta Health Services or their local campus health and wellness center.
Berkeley City College Wellness Center
- https://www.berkeleycitycollege.edu/wp/wellness-center/
- College Nurse: (510) 981-2996
College of Alameda Health & Wellness Services
- https://alameda.peralta.edu/student-service/health-services/
- Main contact number: (510) 748-2320
Laney College Wellness Center
- https://laney.edu/health_center/
- College Nurse: (510) 464-3516
Merritt College Health Services Center
- https://www.merritt.edu/wp/health/
- Main Contact Number: (510) 436-2533
Peralta serves a diverse community of learners and we are committed to maintaining a welcoming environment of belonging. Please treat each other with respect and kindness in these challenging times. You are all important members of our community.
Filed under: Announcements, Peralta News. Tagged: coronavirus, COVID-19, public health
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