University confirms first student coronavirus case
A Cal Poly Pomona student tested positive for the coronavirus, being the first confirmed case on campus.
The student was last on campus on March 11, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Leticia Gutierrez-Lopez stated in an email sent to all active university members on April 1. After receiving medical attention, the student has recovered and was cleared to return to normal activities.
As a precautionary measure, CPP has extended virtual instruction to the summer semester, the Office of Student Success stated in a university-wide email on March 30.
The announcement, however, was a disappointment for students who were looking forward to returning to campus.
“I have had a lack of motivation lately given our current situation and I feel really down hearing that summer classes will be virtual as well,” said Julia Pruitt, a third-year history student. “I miss the experience of being in a classroom.”
CPP has also closed the University Library and the 24-hour Computer Lab until further notice, as announced on March 29 by Emma Gibson, interim dean of the University Library. Due dates for checked out materials will be extended to May 22.
Students who need access to a computer can borrow a laptop by emailing the Office of Student Success at studentsuccess@cpp.edu.
Due to the limited number of laptops, students are encouraged to contact the office as soon as possible using their CPP email address along with their Bronco ID number.
The university is also discussing the possibility of offering a credit/no credit option for all courses. More updates will be made when the administration reaches a decision.
On a global level
Surpassing China and Italy, the United States now leads the world in the number of COVID-19 cases. As of April 5, there are 337,072 confirmed cases and 9,619 deaths in the U.S., according to the John Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering.
With the spike of reported cases in the U.S., President Donald Trump has extended the national social distancing guidelines until April 30.
“The more we commit ourselves now, the sooner we can win the fight and return to our lives,” President Trump said during a press briefing on March 30.
(Sarah Han | The Poly Post)
According to the Department of Labor, a record 6.6 million Americans filed for unemployment insurance as of March 28 — hitting the highest number of jobless claims in U.S. history.
To provide emergency assistance for those financially impacted by the pandemic, President Trump signed into law a $2.2 trillion relief package on March 27. The legislation, known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, will offer relief to state and local governments, businesses, healthcare providers and individuals.
Taxpayers earning under $75,000 a year will receive a $1,200 check, and married couples earning under $150,000 will receive $2,400. Families will also receive an additional $500 for every dependent child under 17. Direct deposit payments are expected to be delivered by April 17, said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on CBS News’ “Face the Nation.”
College students who are filed as dependents under their parents are ineligible to receive a check.
However, the bill allows a temporary pause on monthly payments for student loan borrowers through Sept. 30 without any penalties.
In California, there are 13,438 confirmed cases and 319 deaths as of April 4, according to the California Department of Public Health. Its database shows that more than half of the cases in California are from young adults ages 18–49.
In Los Angeles County, there are 5,940 confirmed cases and 132 deaths as of April 5, according to the L.A. County of Department of Public Health (LACDPH).
On April 3, L.A. County opened a drive-thru COVID-19 testing center at the Pomona Fairplex, through Gate 17.
Testing is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and is only available for those with appointments. To book an appointment, visit coronavirus.lacity.org/Testing.
To slow the spread of the virus, the county issued two new orders regarding self-quarantine and self-isolation measures on March 25.
Anyone exposed to a patient diagnosed with coronavirus must quarantine themselves for 14 days. Those that are diagnosed with or show symptoms of the virus must also self-isolate themselves for at least three days until symptoms are no longer visible.
On March 27, the LACDPH made amendments to the “Safe at Home” order, enforcing a temporary closure of all public beaches, public trails and trailheads.
L.A. County officials warned through its website that “failure to comply with the order is a crime punishable by fine, imprisonment or both.”
