Campus life on pause Activities postponed or suspended

BY GISELLE ORMENO

To combat the COVID-19 virus, several campus life events and programs are on an indefinite standstill.

The Pierce College Theatre production of “A Streetcar Named Desire” is postponing their opening night of March 20.

Performing Arts Department

Chair Michael Gend said that the safety of the students and the audience is vital in these critical times and he doesn’t want to put any unnecessary stress on themselves or the students.

"I thought about the off chance that something bad would happen, I could never forgive myself," Gend said. "Once I announced that we decided to postpone it, I saw about 80 to 90 percent of the students in the room kind of have a sigh of relief because they were a little worried that something bad could happen once we have the public attend our performances."

Gend said future updates will be listed on LAPC Theatre’s social media pages in regards to their upcoming productions.

BY BENJAMIN HANSON

Pierce College has closed its campus due to coronavirus fears but the Student Health Center and the Farm remain operational.

From now until spring break, the Student Health Center will remain open for students who need health services.

Health Center Director Beth Benne said she felt it was a challenge to have the Health

Center stay open this week because some faculty are in sub-quarantine for age and preexisting health conditions.

"I believe what we have to offer is important but I have to take into consideration the health and safety of my staff," Benne said.

Benne said she is not sure if the Health Center will reopen after spring break but said she feels it would be necessary if lab classes are still held on campus.

"I would argue that, if I have staff willing to come in, that we should be open here and operating with distance," Benne said.

The staff at the Health Center has taken extra precautions during the Covid-19 pandemic. There are signs on the walls and doors with advice about what to do during this pandemic and a screen in front of the door to protect patient health and privacy.

On the farm, the animals are living as they normally would. Student worker Julio Wong could