In light of the dynamic and developing situation with swine influenza, I want to keep you informed of what we know and how the College is responding to this potential threat.

To date, we know of no cases of swine influenza infection at LBCC. However, a likely case of swine flu has been found in Long Beach at CSULB.

I want to assure you that we are monitoring the situation closely and are currently reviewing our pandemic influenza plans to ensure we are thoroughly prepared for any contingencies should our College be faced with reported cases. Our Public Relations, Student Health, Student Affairs and Risk Management staff members are coordinating with the Long Beach Health Department and other public health agencies to assure a proactive response.

We will post any important news and instructions for the College on our homepage @ www.lbcc.edu, so be sure to check it regularly for any important updates.

In the meantime, we are urging every member of our community to practice common sense measures to stay healthy and help prevent the spread of infections. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests you do the following to stay healthy:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• If you get sick, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

More information from the CDC is available at: www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm.

Thank you for taking time to read this message. I encourage you to share it with students and other members of the campus community. We will keep you informed of other developments as events warrant.

Thank you for helping to keep our community safe.