March 19, 2020

Dear Berkeley City College Community,

I hope you and your loved ones are all remaining healthy and safe.

The Shelter in Place legal order announced for the seven counties in the Bay Area that took effect at 12:01am, Tuesday, March 17, 2020 restricts access to campus.

There are some of you who inquired about coming to campus for a brief time to pick up items you may have left, not realizing the extended period we might be away. So that you can prepare for remote instruction that will begin on April 6, and to continue to perform essential functions, we will allow access during a designated time period in line with the Health and Safety Code.

There is an allowance for limited access: UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTIONS 101040, 101085, AND 120175, THE HEALTH OFFICER OF THE COUNTY OF ALAMEDA (“HEALTH OFFICER”) ORDERS states that:
10. f. xi. Educational institutions—including public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities—for purposes of facilitating distance learning or performing essential functions, provided that social distancing of six-feet per person is maintained to the greatest extent possible;

Facility access will be provided on Monday and Wednesday between 10am to 2pm March 23 to April 3, 2020. That will mean:

Monday, March 23 10am-2pm
Wednesday, March 25 10am-2pm
Monday, March 30 10am-2pm
Wednesday, April 1 10am-2pm

Due to the enhanced sanitation procedures and campus safety measures a facility access log will be maintained identifying who will be accessing campuses, when, where, for how long, and at what times. Additionally, entry to a campus space, including offices, classrooms, conference rooms, restrooms, or shared spaces, requires the deployment of custodial services and use of increasingly limited supplies. Campus security will be on campus at those times. The access log is available at the front security desk when you enter the building. Your Peralta I.D. is also required for entry.

All campus facilities mechanical systems have been placed on “vacation” mode, which means heating is at a minimum.

Thanks to the great work of our IT and AV team: Vincent, Phu, Phi, and Joe, we have laptop computers for those of you who do not have the ability to currently complete your work from home. Please reach out to your administrator, Vice President, or Dean if there are particular items you will need when you come to campus.

During the time period you are on campus please ensure you comply with the social distancing guidelines below.

What are the social distancing guidelines I still need to follow?
The best way to reduce their risk of getting sick, as with seasonal colds or the flu, still applies to prevent COVID-19:
· Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as frequently as possible.
· Stay home if you are sick.
· Avoid touching your face.
· Covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands)
· Avoid groups (stay at least six feet away from others)
· Reduce the time you are around others outside the home, even when at least six feet away.
http://www.acphd.org/media/559828/faqs-order-shelter-in-place-20200316.pdf

Please let us know if you have any questions, and thank you for continuing to support each other and our students.

Dr. Deborah Budd
Interim President
Berkeley City College

Dear Berkeley City College Community,

In light of the “shelter in place” directive issued earlier today by Alameda County, classes at Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College are cancelled from March 23, 2020 to April 6, 2020. All four college campuses as well as the District office, currently closed for Spring Break, will continue to be closed to April 6, 2020. 
All employees will continue to work remotely while the college campuses and district offices are closed. Employees (including student workers) will maintain their respective schedule and continue to be paid during this time. 
Additionally, travel on behalf of the district is now suspended, including previously approved travel plans.
Services for students will be available following Spring Break, beginning on March 23 through the April 6 campus closure period, but are offered online and not via in-person contact.

The health and safety of members of the Peralta community remains our top priority. Peralta Community College District will continue to follow the guidelines and best practices for institutions of higher education as recommended by the Alameda County Public Health Department, the California Department of Public Health, the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 
The latest updates from Peralta regarding COVID-19 are always available at https://web.peralta.edu/health-services/coronavirus/. Peralta serves a diverse community of learners and we are committed to maintaining a welcoming environment of belonging. 

Thank you for the incredible job you are doing as we respond to the emerging information.  We will send an additional update tomorrow with more contact info, and are working to add an on-line resources site to our website.
Thank you for continuing to care about each other.

Dr. Deborah Budd
Interim President
Berkeley City College