Cuesta College will be transitioning all face-to-face instruction to the Canvas online program for the remainder of Spring 2020 due to the wide-spread COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak.

“The well-being and safety of our campus community is our primary concern,” said Jill Stearns, President of Cuesta College, in an email to the campus community. “Cuesta College is making the following changes to support national efforts to minimize the spread of coronavirus.”

As of Friday, Mar. 13, Cuesta College will be suspending all classes from Mar. 16-18. The college will be providing training opportunities for faculty and students to learn how to effectively use Canvas.

Starting Mar. 19, lecture classes will meet remotely.

According to an email sent to students by Cuesta College, lab and activity classes determined unsuitable for remote delivery are expected to be delivered in person at their regular scheduled time and location.

Stearns is encouraging students to communicate with their instructors and counselors for any questions or guidance.

All large campus events and athletic competitions are canceled. Immediate cancellations and postponements include:

• 37th Annual Jazz Festival & Concert – Mar. 13
• 42nd Cuesta Arena Swim & Dive Invitational – Mar. 13-14
• Cuesta Choirs Concert – Mar. 15
• Food Bank Distribution- Mar. 17
• County Band Festival – Mar. 18
• Women of Distinction Awards – Mar. 19
• Cuesta Wind Ensemble & SLO Wind Orchestra Concert – Mar. 21
• Preview Nights – Mar. 27 & Apr. 2

The SLO Farmers’ Market has suspended operations for the rest of March due to COVID-19. All Cal Poly sporting events have been suspended along with performing arts productions the school hosts.

School districts along the Central Coast announced temporary closures to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. San Luis Coastal, Lucia Mar, Atascadero, Paso Robles, and Coast Unified School Districts will enact the suspensions on Monday.

“At this time, there are no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19 in San Luis Obispo County,” said the County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department. “As there are confirmed cases throughout California, we expect that will soon include our county.”

Cuesta College is providing COVID-19 updates and resources on their webpage. Cuesta College lists ways to help prevent transmission along with reminders about the stigma associated with the virus. CSLOPHD is giving alerts as well.

“More change is likely to come,” Stearns said in an email addressed to the community “You are not alone, we are all in this together, and are encouraging flexibility as the term progresses.”

The Cuestonian will be continuing to provide updates on the virus and its impact.