March 9 – Update from President McCurdy

  • 3-9-20

    Dear BCCC Faculty & Staff:

    Information and updates regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) are flowing at a very rapid pace.  We know this can feel overwhelming.  Please be assured that BCCC continues to monitor the growing health threat and remains in contact with Maryland State and Baltimore City health officials.  Today, Governor Hogan announced that effective immediately, the State is moving to Level II of the Pandemic Flu and Other Infectious Diseases Attendance and Leave Policy (I will provide more details on 3/10/20 and how this relates to BCCC faculty and staff) . 

    As I shared last week, I am meeting with members of the President’s Cabinet and other administrative personnel to review our emergency operations plans, including continuity of instruction for students and faculty and continuity plans for the overall operations of the College; these will be shared.  We  have also taken several proactive measures to further ensure the health and safety of our campus (eg. cleaning materials, hand-sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, tissues and latex gloves, posted prevention information).  I will continue to keep you informed about important developments, and share recommendations for precautions to take and other reminders.  As well, communication has been sent to the student population and follow up information and texts messages will be sent to them.

    Update on Maryland

    • Yesterday, Governor Larry Hogan announced two more cases of Maryland residents testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19): a Harford County woman in her 80s and a Montgomery County man in his 60s. Both are reported to have contracted the virus during overseas travel
    • This brings Maryland’s count to five (5) confirmed cases and a total of 18 Maryland residents are being monitored after exposure to the virus on cruise ships
    • To date, there are no known cases in Baltimore

    Commitment to an Inclusive Community

    • As the coronavirus continues to spread, we ask all members of the BCCC community to avoid making assumptions or jumping to conclusions based upon an individual’s perceived symptoms or ethnicities.
    • Our student body is represented by more than 80 countries
    • Continue to share in the College’s deep commitment to providing an environment that is supportive and accepting for all who come here.

    Continue to do your part in preventing the spread of this and other illnesses

    • Get a flu vaccine.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
    • Wash your hands often and thoroughly (at least 20 seconds) and follow the CDC’s hand-washing guidelines.
    • Stay home when you’re sick.
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw it away.

    What to do if you believe you have been exposed

    If you have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 and you begin having symptoms (fever, cough or difficulty breathing), seek medical attention. Follow these steps:

    • Call your doctor or emergency room before you go.
    • Tell them about recent travel and close contacts (such as people in your household).
    • Wear a mask, if one is available.

    Contact for uninsured – If you know a student or an employee who has recently traveled to affected areas or been in contact with someone with COVID-19 (and having symptoms) without health insurance or a healthcare provider, please refer them to Hassan Sheikh, Medical Countermeasure Coordinator at the Baltimore City Health Department, at 410-396-3844.  For sliding fee (income based) health care see list of primary care clinics in Baltimore.  Another resource for health referrals is dialing 211 or visiting https://211md.org/.

    Stay Informed – Visit BCCC’s webpage on the Coronavirus for updates and other important information and resources. Be sure to also sign up for Omnilert, BCCC’s free messaging service to receive alerts in real-time.

    The health and well-being of BCCC’s employees, students and visitors remains our highest priority.    Stay well!

    Regards,

    Debra L. McCurdy, PhD

    President