Another Positive Case Detected

Submitted by webteam_admin on Wed, 03/11/2020 - 13:15

Dear Seattle Central Community,

We have received news of a presumptive positive test result for coronavirus from a Seattle Central College student.

Following the recommendations of King County Public Health, we have decided to restrict access to our campus to only authorized employees and contractors, starting at 5 p.m. Friday, March 13, through at least March 27. The decision covers the Broadway Edison, Science and Math, Fine Arts, and Mitchell Activity Center buildings, and the Wood Technology Center in the Central District.

We will continue to teach and operate remotely during this time.

The Maritime Academy and the Heath Education Center remain open because their students are earning an external, industry-based certification based on clock hours, seat time, or program-based accreditation requirements. They will continue to offer instruction on site.

The student who reported their test results attended one session of an evening class in the SAM building, shortly before we switched away from in-person instruction at the college. The student had mild flu symptoms and recovered with no complications. We are notifying anyone who was in that class and in contact with the student, and recommend that they quarantine themselves for 14 days. Contacts of contacts do not need to go into quarantine.

Public health officials have told us that the risk of infection from this incident is low. Cleaning and disinfection of SAM is underway, and we will also clean and disinfect classrooms, offices, and common areas in the rest of the Broadway campus.

Employees will continue to report to work remotely. If you work at Seattle Central College, please contact your supervisor to make arrangements and for access to resources. 

Students who need assistance with registration, advising, or other business or student support functions should contact those services through their regular phone or email addresses.

Our cleaning staff will need to have access to work space surfaces. We ask employees to please remove personal items, papers, food, and other materials from desk, shelf or table tops. Employees will be able to access their work stations in the Broadway campus until the close of business on Friday, March 13. 

While the coronavirus outbreak is a serious health crisis, it is important to keep things in perspective and to not let fear and prejudice take over. The best actions you can take are still basic prevention and sanitation practices such as washing your hands, avoiding large gatherings, and staying home if you are sick.

Here are some informational resources to help you make good decisions:

This is an unsettling situation for all of us. I thank you for your patience and flexibility as we struggle to adapt to the changing conditions. Please be assured that your safety and well-being are our top priority.

Sheila Edwards Lange, PhD
President, Seattle Central College