​
August 11, 2020

While working and learning remotely for the past four months, we have weathered this pandemic storm together, yet we must remain strong as it continues. The Board of Trustees, district administration, and our faculty senate have been working together with all employee groups and student representatives to determine the best path forward. We have also surveyed our students and employees to ensure their voices are part of the decision making process.

With the spike in coronavirus cases and deaths in Orange County, as a district we have made the difficult decision to hold the majority of our fall semester classes in a remote environment. While we understand that face-to-face teaching and learning is the ideal situation for all of us, we must always put your health and safety first. This means making these difficult decisions.

As we prepare to launch our fall semester, we will do so in two stages following national, state and local guidelines. For those of us on campus and in the district office, masks will be required and social distancing measures will be implemented in all classrooms, labs, and offices.

It is important to note that these stages are subject to change based on state and local guidelines.

Stage 1 – Begins August 24, 2020

Classes will be held using a variety of online methods, with the majority being remote. Offices will be open with key essential personnel. Masks will be worn and social distancing will remain in place.

The colleges will have facilities open so we can continue to provide access to computers and services for our students.

We know there are courses that cannot be delivered online and remotely. In-person instruction will take place for essential workers and industries such as water and wastewater, first responders, health care, and will also include labs and career education classes.

The colleges will continue to provide online support services including student technical support and a small level of on campus support services including Admissions and Records, Financial Aid, Health and Wellness Centers and access to the library and computer labs. These offices will have limited hours and require an appointment for on campus access.

Per direction from the California Community College Athletic Association, all fall semester intercollegiate athletics have been moved to the spring semester.
We are working closely with our Child Development Services staff to identify the best way forward to continue care, service and education for our youngest students in our care.

Stage II – To be determined by Governor Newsom and local public health agencies

Based on state and local guidelines, when we begin to consider moving into Stage II we will do so incrementally, increasing areas from Stage 1.

Administrators will evaluate opening more offices to additional employees, moving courses to hybrid or in-person modalities, increasing student services on campus, and more employees returning to offices on campus and at the district office.

It is important that we all continue practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Regularly wash your hands for at least 20 seconds throughout the day with warm water and soap, specifically before eating. Cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Thank you for your commitment to health and safety and for being flexible and responsive as we navigate the changes we face on a daily basis. We are in this together and are honored to be part of the RSCCD family.

Should you have any questions or concerns, we invite you to submit them through our special email address specifically for COVID-19 related issues: coronavirusinfo@rsccd.edu.

​ Claudia Alvarez President, Board of Trustees

​ Marvin Martinez Chancellor

 June 19, ​2020

California Public Health Officials Release Guidance 
Requiring Californians to Wear Face Coverings 
in Most Settings Outside the Home

Californians Must Wear Face Coverings 
When in Higher-Risk Situations, Especially Indoors

Face Coverings Help Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 

Governor Newsom: “Simply put, we are seeing too many people with faces uncovered – putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease."

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health today released updated guidance that requires Californians to wear a face covering in high-risk settings. A growing body of scientific research has shown that people with no or few symptoms of COVID-19 can still spread the disease and that the use of face coverings, combined with physical distancing and frequent hand washing, will reduce the spread of COVID-19. 

“Science shows that face coverings and masks work," said Governor Gavin Newsom. “They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open and restarting our economy."

Governor Newsom also addressed why he took this action now. “Simply put, we are seeing too many people with faces uncovered – putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease. California's strategy to restart the economy and get people back to work will only be successful if people act safely and follow health recommendations. That means wearing a face covering, washing your hands and practicing physical distancing."

“As Californians venture into our communities more, wearing face coverings is another important way we can help protect one another," said Dr. Sonia Angell, State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health. “Combined with physical distancing and frequent hand washing, wearing cloth face coverings when we are with others outside of our household will reduce the spread of COVID-19, which is still a very real threat across our state.

Today's guidance mandates the use of cloth face coverings by the general public statewide when outside the home, with limited exceptions.

Californians must wear face coverings when they are in the situations listed below:

• Inside of, or in line to enter, any indoor public space;

• Obtaining services from the healthcare sector in settings including, but not limited to, a hospital, pharmacy, medical clinic, laboratory, physician or dental office, veterinary clinic, or blood bank;

• Waiting for or riding on public transportation or paratransit or while in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle;

• Engaged in work, whether at the workplace or performing work off-site, when:

• Interacting in-person with any member of the public; 

• Working in any space visited by members of the public, regardless of whether anyone from the public is present at the time; 

• Working in any space where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution to others; 

• Working in or walking through common areas, such as hallways, stairways, elevators, and parking facilities; 

• In any room or enclosed area where other people (except for members of the person's own household or residence) are present when unable to physically distance.

• Driving or operating any public transportation or paratransit vehicle, taxi, or private car service or ride-sharing vehicle when passengers are present. When no passengers are present, face coverings are strongly recommended.

• While outdoors in public spaces when maintaining a physical distance of six feet from persons who are not members of the same household or residence is not feasible.

The following individuals are exempt from wearing a face covering:

• Children aged two and under;
• Persons with a medical, mental health, or developmental disability that prevents wearing a face covering;
• Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication;
• Persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines. 
• Persons who are obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service;
• Persons who are seated at a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service, while they are eating or drinking, provided that they are able to maintain a distance of at least six feet away from persons who are not members of the same household or residence;
• Persons who are engaged in outdoor work or recreation such as swimming, walking, hiking, bicycling, or running, when alone or with household members, and when they are able to maintain a distance of at least six feet from others;
• Persons who are incarcerated. Prisons and jails, as part of their mitigation plans, will have specific guidance on the wearing of face coverings of masks for both inmates and staff.

More information about the state's COVID-19 guidance is on the California Department of Public Health's Guidance web page.

More information about reopening California and what individuals can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California.

June 9, 2020

Message from Chancellor Marvin Martinez