• March 26, 2020

    Dear BCCC Students:

    I want you to know that we continue to be in contact with the Baltimore City Health Department regarding the confirmed case of COVID-19 with one of our students. Today, Health Department officials indicated that they have now contacted those who may have been exposed while the student was on Campus on March 16. I’m also sharing the below communication and an attachment that has been provided by Tanya Bobo-Lenoci, an Epidemiologist with the Baltimore City Health Department with whom we had several conversations to guide the College’s responses:

    “Dear Students, Staff, and Faculty,

    We understand that there has been increased anxiety following receipt of the news that a student was a confirmed case of COVID-19. We want you to be aware that COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that is caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus. The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, shortness of breath, and cough. COVID-19 is a disease that is spread from person-to-person via respiratory droplets. This happens when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets can land either in the noses or mouths of people who are very close by, but can also be inhaled into the lungs. Droplets can also land on hard surfaces and if someone touches that surface and proceeds to touch their mouth, nose, or eyes (without having washed their hands first), that is another mode of transmission. People who are at higher risk of being infected include household contacts and those who have been in close proximity (within 6 feet) of the infected, symptomatic person for at least 5 minutes. The highest likelihood of transmission is when the infected person is symptomatic.

    We encourage everyone to be aware that COVID-19 is widespread within Maryland and the Baltimore area. Therefore, we recommend that you take the following actions:

    • If you are sick with symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19, please stay at home
    • If you feel unwell and believe you may have COVID-19, please call your healthcare provider and
      notify him/her/they that you would like to be evaluated
    • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
    • If soap and water are not available, utilize alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60-90% alcohol
    • Routinely clean frequently-touched surfaces such as door knobs, countertops, and light switches. Please be sure to follow the instructions listed on the manufacturer’s label
    • Practice social distancing: remain out of congregate settings, avoid mass gatherings of people, and maintain a safe distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others whenever possible.

    If you have any questions, please contact your healthcare provider.”

    -Tanya

     Baltimore City Health Department

    Tanya Bobo-Lenoci, MS, MPH
    Epidemiologist
    Acute Communicable Diseases
    Baltimore City Health Department
    tanya.bobo-lenoci@baltimorecity.gov 
    Website: health.baltimorecity.gov
    Twitter: @Bmore_Healthy

    Please remember to visit www.bccc.edu/coronavirus for the most up to date information from the College. Here are some other helpful resource sites regarding COVID-19 and the actions being taken here in Baltimore, in Maryland and nationally:

    It is more important than ever to support each other, check-in on loved ones and show compassion.

    Stay well, safe and close to home!

    Debra L. McCurdy, PhD
    President

    Click here to see the COVID-19 Fact Sheet