President's Office

COVID-19 Update: March 19, 2020

March 19, 2020


To the Campus Community,

I am writing you this evening to share the news that two members of our campus community are being tested for COVID-19. My thoughts are with them and their families as they receive the medical care they need.

These two students, who had agreed to self-isolate in Student Housing due to their risk factors, were transported to a local medical facility for COVID-19 testing today. Because these students were both in self-isolation, our Klotz Student Health Center medical personnel believe the risk of further transmission is low. We are following the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) protocols and will enact any hygiene and cleaning needed for any affected areas of Student Housing. When we learn the results of the testing, we will inform you of any campus impacts. At this time, there continues to be no confirmed COVID-19 cases at CSUN.

In addition, I want to address the recent “safer at home” orders from city and county officials and Governor Gavin Newsom. The directives seek to further reduce the spread of COVID-19. CSUN’s actions already underway to accelerate our move to virtual instruction and increase social distancing for students and employees are aligned with these orders and follow guidance from California State University Chancellor Timothy White, Governor Gavin Newsom, and federal, state and local public health officials. As an essential resource for our students and the State of California, we are not closing campus. However, we are focused on providing only essential operations for our students, which the orders encourage and permit. This means that we will be further evaluating essential staff, looking to reduce staffing to minimal levels to maintain operations, and maintaining a six-foot social distance in all operations.

I can tell you with certainty that things will continue to change rapidly. But one thing that will not change is how we come to our decisions. Our decision-making is guided by the best information we have from public health agencies, with the health and safety of the campus community at the heart of all we do.

Please continue to visit our COVID-19 website for more information, wash your hands thoroughly and follow the other sound advice on COVID-19 prevention. Take care of yourself and your loved ones, and be well.

Sincerely,

Dianne F. Harrison, Ph.D.
President