Salinas

SALINAS, Calif. (KION)

UPDATE: 3/9/20 10:37 p.m. The Monterey County Health Department this afternoon, March 9, informed Hartnell College that it has received no positive test results for the coronavirus (COVID-19) and is not anticipating any such results at the current time. This means there are no known cases of the virus in Monterey County and no suspected cases, according to county health officials.

UPDATED 3/9/20 10:50 a.m. Hartnell College is awaiting test results for a possible case of coronavirus.

A Hartnell College official said the results may be available later tonight or tomorrow.

Classes are going on as scheduled today.

News of a possible coronavirus case AT Hartnell College in Salinas is spreading around campus.

Some students told KION their classes are getting smaller. Despite no confirmation of a case, many students are taking precautions, like doing fist bumps instead of shaking hands.

“Some students are staying home and asking their friends to take notes for them because they are scared to come to school,” student Joshua Flores said.

The administration announced Sunday a student who became ill is being tested for the virus.

While they await the results, classes are still going on as scheduled with spring break just a week away.

“My English class is a little more empty than it used to be. One of my friends is talking about buying a mask to protect himself,” student Rogelio Mendoza said.

As most, the college is urging students to take precautions to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses, including washing hands, avoiding touching your face and staying home if you are sick.

“At the tutoring center where I work, we’ve been cleaning the tables with disinfectant wipes and we have a lot of hand sanitizer,” Flores said.

Students tell me their professors are also taking precautionary measures.

“The professor usually passes around things to demonstrate but today she said she wasn’t going to do it because she was kind of concerned of the virus,” student Veronica Orozco said.

Around Salinas, other school districts are also preparing for a possible outbreak.

Alisal Union School District has custodians thoroughly disinfecting surfaces and plans to serve more pre-packaged food to prevent the spread of viruses.

Salinas Union High School District’s spokesperson told KION schools will remain open for the time being and closures are a last resort.

District officials want to emphasize that health officials say that the risks remain low.

PREVIOUS STORY 3/8/20:

Hartnell College administration confirmed Sunday a student is being tested for coronavirus.

In a safety message sent out by email, Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management Daniel Scott said one of the students became ill and could potentially have COVID-19.

The results of the testing are still pending.

The college is urging students to take precautionary measures to protect themselves, including keeping hands clean, avoiding touching your face, and staying home if you feel sick.