March 24, 2020

Dear BCCC Students:

As you know, BCCC has taken proactive steps and followed the guidelines of medical professionals to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and are continuing to do so. The risk to our College community is much like that of every other community around the world as we face this global disease. While BCCC values open communications, we must also be sensitive and protect the privacy of our students, faculty and staff. To that end, we will try to balance both as we move forward.

Yesterday, the College became aware that a BCCC student has tested positive for COVID-19 and the case has been confirmed by Baltimore City and Baltimore County health officials. The student was last on the Liberty Campus on March 16, and from what was communicated, was first evaluated at a hospital with symptoms on March 16 but was sent home. Subsequently, the student was admitted to the hospital on March 21 and was discharged on March 23. Our faculty has been in touch by phone with the student while they are resting at home and self-quarantining. Currently, we have received no communications that any other student, faculty or staff member is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. We remain in touch with health department officials and are taking their guidance as they investigate this case. Health department officials will be in contact with individuals who may have been exposed.

I want to assure you that our Environmental Services team deep-cleaned the entire Campus, including all classrooms and labs. We will target additional deep cleaning prior to resuming classes and operations at the Campus. Your health and safety are paramount to me. If you are displaying flu-like symptoms, you should seek immediate medical advice. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the specific symptoms include a fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

While this information is disturbing to all of us, please know that we are working to support students and your needs while learning remotely in this challenging environment. Our College community is resilient, and I am thankful for our students’ commitment to BCCC. We stand in solidarity with our peer institutions as we all learn from one another about responding to the devastation of COVID-19. What we know today, is that three other two-year colleges have now reported COVID-19 cases. BCCC will continue to take all necessary actions and I will provide you with updates as we become aware of emerging changes. Please remember to visit www.bccc.edu/coronavirus for the most up to date information.

Stay well and safe.

Debra L. McCurdy, PhD
President