Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions

In the event of a PCC student testing positive for the 2019-nCoV, the patient would receive appropriate medical attention and would be under monitoring of Public Health officials. The Public Health officials will determine which other persons should be evaluated as close contacts. 

The college is in constant contact with public health authorities, including the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Pasadena Public Health Department, to understand the impacts to the college during this evolving public health situation. PCC’s top priority is the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. We will activate our response plan through continual, proactive evaluation of the facts at hand and in consultation with our agency and community partners. 

Faculty’s instructions to students: Individuals with a fever greater than 100.4 °F or 38°C or who are unable to contain coughing or sneezing, should refrain from attending classes or work until their symptoms are controlled. Inform the student to go home. Faculty should work with the student to make up class work and instructions, rather than penalizing the student for missing class.

Students’ instructions: You should consult your primary doctor or contact Student Health Services (626-585-7244) if you are unwell.

Do not assume, on the basis of appearance, in the presence of flu-like symptoms that coronavirus is the cause. 

Isolation and Quarantine are not currently recommended for asymptomatic individuals.
Anyone seeking evaluation based on symptoms plus travel/exposure in the last 14 days should make their first contact by phone (Public Health Department, Student Health Services, or Primary Care Provider) to limit the exposure of other people until a decision can be made over the phone about the need and location for testing. If testing is recommended, you should isolate yourself to avoid exposing others. Cover your mouth and nose with a mask, scarf or other fabric if you are told to leave self-isolation for testing.

Remember that hand gel does not replace handwashing with soap and water; handwashing is a more effective way to reduce the spread of infection. The college is working to ensure adequate stocks of cleaners, sanitizers, and other cleansing agents.

The steps we’re taking apply to all of PCC’s campuses.

Like the rest of the college, the Child Development Center is closed to children, students, and families until Monday, April 20.

We are currently planning to return to normal operations on Monday, April 20, but this is a very fluid situation. We will be making a final decision on that timeline by Friday, April 10.

The college is trying to balance the educational needs of its students with the need to have a healthy and safe community. Due to the enormous disruption in the lives of our students, faculty, and staff, canceling the spring semester is a step we would take only if it was necessary.

PCC has converted all classes to remote instruction methods wherever possible. For questions regarding specific courses, contact the responsible faculty member or the division dean.

The college expects to return to normal operations on April 20, 2020. Since this period of online instruction represents a temporary change in a semester, and parking permits will be valid at the end of this period, parking permit refunds are not being issued. The college will continue to monitor events and may adapt this policy as new information becomes available.

Yes. Any statement about the college applies to all PCC locations unless otherwise noted.

Supervisors are working with all of their employees – full-time and hourly – to ensure the work of the college is ongoing. Employees will be informed by their supervisors of their work status during this period.

Students on the college workstudy program will be paid throughout the period for the hours they were scheduled, even if they are unable to not report to work.

PCC has curtailed all college and community events taking place at the college until April 20. 

The most updated current information on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, as it presents in the United States, will come from the federal public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. If we receive additional local advisories for California or Los Angeles County, we will provide updates to our campus community in electronic forms.

Patients with confirmed 2019-nCoV infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

• fever (>100.4 °F or 38°C)
• cough
• shortness of breath

Many cases appear to be mild. Individuals who are elderly, have weakened immune systems, or have other underlying health conditions appear to be at risk for more severe disease.

Local public officials will conduct a “contact tracing” measure with identified patients and proactively contact any individuals who might have had an exposure. They will work with any individuals who may be affected to monitor if any symptoms develop.

Flu and other serious respiratory illnesses are commonly spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands.

• Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing prevents the spread of a virus.
• Handwashing (with soap and water) for 20 seconds reduces risk of infection. (https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/videos.html).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Avoid close contact with someone who is sick.

Wearing face masks routinely is not recommended for people who are not sick. Masks help sick people reduce spread of illness to others but are not very effective protection for well people.

Coronaviruses, including the 2019-nCoV, are considered airborne transmissible diseases. The college is taking extended measures to ensure a hygienic environment, including regular cleaning of common areas, and refilling of soap and hand sanitizers. 

No, the flu shot is formulated to match influenza viruses expected to be circulating in the United States during the 2019-2020 flu season (Los Angeles County is currently seeing a rising number of cases, so please get a flu shot if you have not already done so). The influenza virus is a different virus from the coronavirus.

There are no dietary restrictions related to viral infections.

It's hard knowing people you care about are in the middle of a very scary situation far away. We know that this has been a difficult time for many members of our college family. Please know we are here for you and encourage you to reach out for support. If you want to meet with a counselor, please call 626-585-7273.

You can also help your family back home by letting them know you are taking good care of yourself. The best advice for not getting sick is to practice frequent handwashing and staying out of close contact with people who might be sick. Let them know you are well, and it may comfort and reassure them. As opportunities to assist become available, we will share these with the community.