Breaking news: SJCC cancels in-person classes through March 15 in coronavirus response

Students study from home while safety measures are enacted

San+Jose+City+College+has+closed+the+campus+and+will+convert+to+an+online+format+March+16.+

Nhu Dang, Times Staff

San Jose City College has closed the campus and will convert to an online format March 16.

SJCC has cancelled all in-person classes through Sunday, March 15 because of coronavirus. Starting Monday, in-person classes will resume in an online format, according to the SJCC website.

“The District has learned that a student enrolled in one course at San José City College has tested positive for COVID-19 (novel coronavirus),” wrote Byron Breland, San Jose – Evergreen Community College District chancellor, in a districtwide email. “The student is currently not on campus and has not been on campus since Feb. 26, which is outside of the 14-day incubation period for COVID-19.”

The student is being monitored by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department and is not attending class, Breland wrote.

“Because of this timeline, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have indicated to SJECCD that anyone not yet exhibiting symptoms is outside of the timeframe for having contracted the virus from this individual,” Breland wrote, adding that the risk to the campus community from this individual is very low.

While classes were cancelled Thursday, March 12, employees were on campus for training.

Instructors are preparing to transfer their classes online through this weekend, according to an email sent to SJCC students by SJCC President Rowena Tomaneng on Thursday, March 12. Laptops will be lent to students who lack computer access at home.

People are advised to avoid large gatherings and contact with those who are sick, as well as practice excellent hygiene, which includes abstaining from touching any part of the face with unwashed hands.

Those who exhibit symptoms of coronavirus are instructed to self-quarantine and call their doctor.

Testing for COVID-19 is now free for every American, regardless of insurance status, thanks to California District 45 Rep. Katie Porter, as reported on her Twitter account Thursday, March 12.

Visit the SJCC and CDC websites for updates and more information about how to keep safe during this time.