7/18/22 - Confirmed COVID-19 Case

Dear Members of the Southwestern Community,

We were made aware today that a Southwestern employee who accessed campus on July 15, 2022, has tested positive for COVID-19. In accordance with county guidelines, Southwestern directed the employee to self-isolate in their home and follow their medical providers' advice. Due to privacy concerns, Southwestern will not be releasing the name of the individual. Under the guidance of public health protocols, Southwestern conducted a review to identify any persons on campus who may have been in close contact with the individual. Any identified individuals have been contacted and advised of Southwestern’s and public health testing and potential exposure protocols.

Our maintenance staff is conducting extra cleaning and disinfecting of the high-touch areas on campus (e.g., elevators, stairwells, restrooms, common areas, etc.) in addition to the ongoing increased cleaning and disinfecting of these areas.

It is imperative that we all remain vigilant in our collective efforts to keep everyone safe and healthy. We all should follow our public health officials' guidance by wearing a face covering, practicing social distancing where appropriate, and using good hygiene practices such as covering coughs and sneezes, washing our hands, and avoiding touching our faces. Also, please do not come to campus if you are not feeling well and have any symptoms associated with COVID or another communicable disease. 

Additionally, our public health officials strongly recommend staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination and boosters, if eligible. Our current vaccines are safe, available for ages 6 months and up, and are the most effective protection against COVID-19.

How to Stay Healthy and Reduce Your Risk:
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/docs/protection/ReduceRiskInfographic.pdf

What to Do if You are Sick:
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019/covidcare/

Home Isolation Instructions for People with COVID-19:
http://ph.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019/covidisolation/

Home Quarantine Instructions for Close Contacts to COVID-19:
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019/covidquarantine/

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:
http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm

Let's continue working together to keep our community safe and healthy.

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Katrina Garcia
Senior Associate Director | Administrative Services Office