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March 17, 2020

COVID-19 Student Bulletin: Self-Care

Dear Students,

The COVID-19 pandemic presents a very real threat to every individual’s well-being. In fact, the public health strategy of social distancing was a major factor in ArtCenter’s decisions to suspend all classes March 12-22, prohibit students from being on campus during that time, and restart the Spring 2020 semester on March 23 with a new semester-end date of May 1, 2020.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND MINIMIZE YOUR RISK
Social distancing is a precautionary public health protocol that has been proven to be effective in situations like this, because it acknowledges the presence of a contagion in the community and serves everyone by reducing the possible frequencies of person-to-person spread of disease. As a community health strategy, social distancing is only effective when every individual does their part to keep at least two meters (approximately six feet) away from other people, avoid large gatherings of people, and generally keep your in-person contact with others to a minimum.

PREPARE AND USE YOUR STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFIT
Every person’s response to COVID-19 might be different. We want to remind you that all students enrolled in the Spring 2020 semester are already enrolled in the College’s student health insurance program (SHIP), provided by Aetna. Review your insurance benefits at aetnastudenthealth.com.

But remember that having health insurance in the United States does not mean that all health-related services are guaranteed or free.

In order to access the maximum benefits of this health insurance, you must have your coverage linked to a Primary Care Provider (PCP). Only a PCP can communicate with public health authorities and only a PCP can ever order diagnostic tests (such as screenings for COVID-19 or any other disease). If you do not have a PCP, you must identify one from the Aetna student website.

Any student who does not feel well should seek assistance from a medical professional by contacting your PCP first by phone and follow that office’s directions for obtaining care. If your doctor assesses the need for you to be tested for any specific illness, they will inform you. However, for your reassurance, your ArtCenter SHIP will cover the costs of the CDC-approved COVID-19 test kit and no co-pay will be charged to you, when ordered for you by your PCP.

Additionally, Aetna will offer zero co-pay telemedicine visits – for any reason (until approximately June 1, 2020). Students can use telemedicine as an appropriate way to limit potential exposure in physician offices. Cost-sharing will be waived for all video visits through the CVS MinuteClinic app, Aetna-covered Teladoc® offerings and in-network providers delivering synchronous virtual care (live video-conferencing).

Check the Aetna website for more coverage information, as well as important phone numbers. If you are not able to print your health insurance card at home, or are having trouble navigating the Aetna student health website, or have basic questions regarding the health insurance plan, please email the CSE office.

UNDERSTAND THE FACTS
Several students have asked us questions about COVID-19. All medical concerns need to be directed to your PCP and the CSE is not capable of, or responsible for, serving in that capacity. However, we can share the available guidance from public health authorities:

  • The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has comprehensive and detailed resources that address this newly identified coronavirus (COVID-19). Those can be found here at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/.
  • In general, and based on scientific information that has been gathered so far, the following symptoms may occur within 2-14 days of exposure to COVID-19: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Note that these are also common symptoms of many other kinds of respiratory illness, including the flu and seasonal or environmental allergies.
  • The CDC advises that if you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 you should get medical attention immediately. These “emergency warning signs” include: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse someone’s attention, bluish lips or face. Note that this list is not all inclusive. You must always consult with your PCP or any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

TAKE PRECAUTIONS

It is thought that the chief way the infection spreads is from respiratory droplets that carry the virus. According to CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html), there are two very important things you can do: 1. clean your hands often and 2. avoid close contact (social distancing):

Wash your hands

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Social Distancing

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick. The recommended distance between people is approximately two meters (or about six feet).

In addition to washing hands and social distancing, you should:

  • Stay home if you are sick.
    Cover coughs and sneezes (preferably with a tissue, or your own elbow).
    Wear a face mask, if you are sick.

Further description of these and other precautions can be found at: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

Some people wonder about wearing a facemask or covering your nose and mouth. These are the medical facts:

  • If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
    If you are not sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers. Wearing a facemask does not necessarily protect you from the health of the general public.

You may also have questions about using gloves:

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
News of any crisis, like this global pandemic, can cause anxiety, fear and stress. Due to the period of suspended classes and restriction from campus, on-campus mental health appointments are currently suspended until Monday, March 23. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and disruption this may cause, and we will reschedule appointments that were scheduled March 12-22 as quickly as possible.  


If you are in crisis, please consider these resources:

  • National Suicide Hotline: 1-800 SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
    National Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
    Didi Hirsch 24-hour Crisis Line: 1-877-727-4747 (for Spanish, dial 1-800-628-9454)
    LGBTQ – The Trevor Project Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386
    Trans Crisis Line: 1-877-565-8860
    Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741-741
    Students of Color Crisis Text Line: Text STEVE to 741-741
    Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline : 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. (TTY 1-800-846-8517)

To connect with an off-campus mental health provider, you can use your ArtCenter SHIP and find one through the Aetna student website. Please note that not all therapists are able to provide telehealth service, because this decision is at the discretion of each provider. https://www.aetnastudenthealth.com/en/school/846531/members/find-doctor.html

Here are some general self-care tips to be aware of now and in the future:

Pay attention and monitor how you are feeling. Common signs of distress may include:

  • Feelings of numbness, disbelief, anxiety or fear
  • Changes in appetite, energy, and activity levels
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Difficulty sleeping or nightmares and upsetting thoughts and images
  • Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes
  • Worsening of chronic health problems
  • Irritability
  • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other substances

Coping Strategies

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
  • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Additional Mental Health Resources:

apa.org/practice/programs/dmhi/research-information/pandemics

store.samhsa.gov/product/Taking-Care-of-Your-Behavioral-Health-During-an-Infectious-Disease-Outbreak/sma14-4894

uindy.edu/studentcounseling/scc-news-updates (Chinese language translations available)

FOOD INSECURITY
We recognize that the economic impact of this pandemic affects different people differently. If you are experiencing food insecurity, we can identify the following off-campus resources for you:

Friends in Deed Foodbank in Pasadena
444 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104
626 797-2402
Shelf Stable Options will be available for people to choose from, as well as the selection of produce and meat
Note a change in pick-up processes at this agency due to COVID-19
friendsindeedpas.org/fid/covid-19-protocols-at-fid/

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank offers an online resource to locate one of its partnering food agencies in the greater metropolitan area to assist you at lafoodbank.org/find-food/pantry-locator/.

RENTER PROTECTIONS
On March 15, 2020, the City of Los Angeles enacted a moratorium on renter evictions. Read more at la.curbed.com .

The cities of Pasadena, Santa Monica, and certainly many others are proposing or considering similar actions. Please pay attention to your local news and your local government offices for any confirmations and instructions. (Consider following a verified Twitter account or bookmark the .gov URL of your local government office.)

INTERNET ACCESS
A number of Internet service providers signed an agreement with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure that Internet users will not suffer interruptions inservice for reasons related to COVID-19. Specifically, the FCC agreement states that providers will waive late fees, not cutoff service for lack of payment, and open hot-spots.

Comcast: offers free W-iFi for 2 months to low income families plus all Xfinity hot-spots are free to the public during this time
Charter: provides free Internet for 2 months
AT&T: offers open hot-spots, unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans to low income families
Verizon: no special offers, but follows the FCC agreement.
Sprint: follows FCC agreement, provides unlimited data to existing customers, and, as of Tuesday, 3/17/2020, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge.
T-Mobile: follows FCC agreement, plus unlimited data to existing customers, and, coming soon, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge.

Note: Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for specific details or questions. ArtCenter is not responsible for those commercial contracts and decisions, or changes to what was publicly announced.

UNEMPLOYMENT RESOURCES
Especially for artists and designers who are self-employed or independent contractors, information regarding unemployment due to COVID-19 including sickness or quarantine, caregiving, school closure or reduced work hours go to the Employment Development Department (EDD) website at edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm

An important reminder: all ArtCenter student employees will experience no disruption in their standard pay during the March 12-22 period when classes were suspended.

CAREGIVERS WITH DEPENDENTS
If you care for a younger person whose school has closed for any period of time, please contact their school to see if there is an available resource center in the local area that can provide activities, supervision, shelter, and/or food for your child.

A helpful resource is this L.A. County webpage: lacounty.gov/covid19/children-and-families/

If you care for an older person, please remind them of the CDC’s advisories for older adults: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html

You can also discuss the recommendations provided for families here:

aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2019/fema-disaster-preparedness-tips.html
aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2017/packing-your-emergency-preparedness-kit-fd.html

Offer to help older adults pick up groceries, supplies, or medicines, especially if they are not as mobile as you are.

Pay attention to local news as well: some businesses (like restaurants and coffee shops) are packaging to-go meals specifically for children who must forego those services when their schools are closed. Some retail operations (like grocery stores and pharmacies/drugstores) are changing hours of operation to permit only older shoppers designated times to conduct their transactions.

All caregivers should also review the emergency preparedness information available from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to better prepare for any emergency situation, not just the current COVID-19 global pandemic. Go to ready.gov/.

Finally, if you care for an animal (such as a pet or an assistance animal or therapy animal), you have additional responsibilities to prepare for and implement emergency situations as needed. Refer to these websites to begin your education on this specific topic:

cdc.gov/healthypets/emergencies/index.html
aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/disaster-preparedness

COMMUNITY ACTIONS
Please contact local law enforcement if you experience any difficulties in the local community. Be aware that many businesses have experienced changes to their operations (for example, reduced staffing or hours of operation). Travelers should check with any policies or advisories issued by commercial airlines. Rideshare users should look for new alerts or tools offered in those apps/websites (for example, Lyft and Uber have both established methods to report bias incidents related to this pandemic; see lyft.com/safety/coronavirus or uber.com/us/en/coronavirus/).

ARTCENTER SUPPORT
Finally, we wish to remind you that while classes are suspended (March 12-22), and after classes resume on March 23, all ArtCenter policies remain unchanged and in effect.

Therefore, any concerns about gender-based inequity at ArtCenter, should be directed to Kristen Entringer at kristen.entringer@artcenter.edu. Any concerns of discrimination, harassment or retaliation that involve an employee (faculty or staff) should be directed to Human Resources. Any concerns of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation that involve a student or students only should be directed the CSE.

Any student experiencing severe economic hardship should confidentially contact the Economic Response Team at ert@artcenter.edu. After the College reopens on March 23, the limited food pantry will again be available for students in the CSE office on Hillside Campus, and SoGo Cards and nutrition bars will be available at multiple locations around campus for students who need immediate relief from food insecurity (defined as the disruption of food intake or eating patterns because of lack of money and other resources; food insecurity is not the same thing as hunger or convenience).

Of course, any campus emergency should always be reported to Campus Security at 626 396-2211.

If you have any questions, or you know about additional resources that you want to share with the campus community, please contact us at CSE@artcenter.edu.

Thank you and best wishes,


The Center for the Student Experience
CSE@artcenter.edu