MOHAVE COUNTY – Mohave Community College will extend spring break one week for students, and cancel public events on its campuses in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The announcement was made during the College Governing Board meeting on Friday, March 13.
Students begin spring break on March 16, and will resume classes on March 30. Public events on college campuses will be suspended until April 3, at which time the college will reevaluate the possibility of continuing with scheduled events.
“There are no confirmed cases connected to the college, but following Governor Ducey’s state of emergency declaration and the announcement of more confirmed cases in Arizona, the college is taking several proactive measures to help protect our students, employees and the communities we serve,” said MCC President Dr. Stacy Klippenstein.
The actions the college is taking are in line with the response from community colleges across the state to help prevent the spread of the virus. The college is following the steps described in its Pandemic Response Plan, which can be found online at Mohave.edu/CoronavirusUpdates.
Employees will continue to work their normal schedules during the extended student break. Faculty will establish online education courses in preparation of a possible escalation in Coronavirus cases in Arizona and the tristate region, which may force the college to limit on campus classes.
The college is suspending all of its Community Education courses. These are non-credit courses, such as jewelry making and yoga, which are popular with senior citizens in Mohave County.
“Given the fact that seniors are in the highest risk group and have the highest mortality rate for the virus, we need to take this extra precaution,” said Dr. Klippenstein. “We will continually monitor the situation and reschedule the classes as soon as possible.”
People who pre-paid for courses that are to be canceled will receive their money back under the college refund policy.
The college is encouraging students and employees to follow the guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
· Stay home when you are sick.
· Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
For updates on the college plans for preventing Coronavirus, visit www.Mohave.edu/CoronavirusUpdates.
