Coronavirus concerns change LTCC physical education classes and gym use

Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) took additional steps on Friday to help curb the spread of the Novel Coronavirus related to fitness classes. They sent out an email to staff and students, letting them know of closures but some do affect community members who use the gym and facilities.

For up-to-the-minute news on LTCC closures and events, visit http://www.ltcc.edu/campusresources/health-and-safety/coronavirus.php. They will be updating them as things change.

LTCC is closing parts of campus and canceling some classes related to Physical Education Fitness (PEF). Starting 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 13, the Fitness Education Center located in the Physical Education building is closed through at least April 5. Classroom G3 is also closed as of Friday. Any for-credit classes scheduled in G3 will be rescheduled in the dance studio unless told otherwise. All non-credit Physical Education Fitness classes and student intramural athletic events are also canceled, including activities related to student activities clubs.

For-credit Physical Education Fitness courses will still meet, but in a lecture environment only with no physical activity nor use of equipment, and with social distancing measures in effect. These are for-credit classes that should have a lecture component associated with them. Finals for PEF classes will take place next week (March 16-20) with these measures in place.

Locker rooms in the PE Building need to be cleared out immediately, and these rooms will close starting at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17.

The college is closing or limiting these spaces and canceling PEF classes and events because of the higher likelihood of viral spread in closed environments with a significant number of high-touch equipment and surfaces, like a fitness room. These measures are preventative: there currently are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County. Taking steps like this will help to stop the spread of the virus and keep students, staff and the community safer.

These closures and cancelations are in effect for the foreseeable future, and the college will revisit the decision in planning for the start of Spring Quarter on Monday, April 6. Updates about the virus and its local impact will be posted to www.ltcc.edu/coronavirus, on the college’s social media accounts, and on the free Coyote Corner app (download at http://www.ltcc.campusapp.com/).

LTCC previously announced all outside groups using the campus will have to cancel until further notice, including meetings, plays, and the Drug Store Project.