Trump Halts World Health Organization Funding in Midst of Coronavirus Pandemic
President Donald Trump recently announced he would halt all U.S. funding of the World Health Organization (WHO), a specialized agency of the United Nations and the leading international health organization, pending a review of its coronavirus response by his administration.
SMC Now Using Proctorio, an Online Monitoring Tool
On March 19, Santa Monica College (SMC) faculty received an email with the subject line “Proctorio -- test proctoring software now available” from Interim Dean of Instructional Services, Jason Beardsley. The email explained that an online software known as Proctorio had become available to all SMC faculty that use Canvas, in an effort to “enhance academic integrity by monitoring each student’s behavior during an exam.”
Biden Tweets to Not Drink Bleach, While Outdoor Activities Remain Closed Amid Heat Wave
Biden warns Americans to not drink bleach after Trump’s disinfectant suggestion at his brief went viral; the COVID-19 “hoax” gets clarification. Beach trips and outdoor activities may result in citations in Santa Monica as they are prohibited during heat wave this weekend due to the pandemic. Millions of Americans are being examined for coronavirus, while being reminded of prevention, symptoms and what to do if you are feeling sick.
Politicians Face Scrutiny Over Stock Transactions Made After Classified Coronavirus Briefing
Multiple members of Congress are under scrutiny over stock transactions made just before the coronavirus outbreak here in America.
COVID-19 Protective Supply Crisis
Anxiety and fear grow in hospitals around Los Angeles as the nation's healthcare system is overwhelmed by coronavirus victims. Medical professionals across the United States are experiencing a critical shortage of protective supplies and are unable to protect themselves from the virus when providing patient care.
Going Off the Rails: Public Health and Transit Concerns
Despite the widespread closures of public spaces due to the coronavirus pandemic, businesses deemed essential have remained open. This includes public transportation, even in face of a significant decrease in demand. Those who depend on public transportation have routes that may now be disrupted due to the rising health concerns. Additionally, walking doesn't seem to be a viable alternative for the majority of people in LA, particularly those with a long commute to work.
COVID-19 and the 2020 Election
As America finally begins coming to grips with the new reality of the coronavirus winter, the 2020 presidential election pushes on.
Student Life on a Virtual Campus
All Santa Monica College (SMC) clubs were thought to have been canceled due to the coronavirus. However, a few clubs have made efforts to resume digitally.
Dine-In at Home and Order Takeout
With closure of dine-in restaurants throughout California, the demand for takeout services has increased. Third party ordering platforms such as "Grubhub," "Postmates," and "DoorDash" have quickly grown in popularity due to current circumstances. Major food delivery apps have assisted owners during this transition to help generate income and keep business afloat.
As COVID-19 impact spreads California Community Colleges; CARES Act aid expected shortly
With the United States entering an economic recession, and the coronavirus’ expected impact now expanded into the fall, California’s community colleges are managing new ways to adapt and to support their students.
Safer at Home Extended, Easter Weekend Closures and Economic "Whiplash"
Half a million of Americans are now infected with COVID-19 and fatalities numbers surpassed every other country. Los Angeles extended measures till May 15 and Santa Monica Closed beaches and markets amid Easter weekend. Free testing in LA comes with priorities. Food and ventilator donations due to the pandemic’s financial crisis.
A Virtual Graduation Ceremony for 2020 Graduates
In the midst of a pandemic, the traditional graduation ceremony of the year 2020 transitioned to a virtual event. Students graduating this year will not walk the commencement stage, but they will be honored for their academic achievements.
LA Mayor requires Face Masks for all Essential workers; Enables businesses to deny unprotected patrons
Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti ordered most essential workers, patrons and guests to wear protective face coverings or masks in a press conference Tuesday afternoon. The order, which goes into effect on Friday at midnight, effectively mandates that masks be worn anywhere outside the home.
Stimulus Package Pay Day is Near, While Angelenos are Called to Wear Masks
All countries urged to make public health affordable, while caution against early cancellation of measures. California expands telehealth video-chats and Angelenenos are advised to wear masks in public. Santa Monica enforces strict measures as will shut down construction sites that do not follow COVID-19 guidelines. $1,200 on the way, as unemployment claims skyrocket and rent along with water bills are suspended.
SMC Extends Withdrawal deadline; Transcript adjustments available for instructor-initiated drops
As of 5 p.m. on March 31, Santa Monica College (SMC) announced to its faculty via email that all instructor-initiated dropped courses taking place on or after March 4 through the “Guaranteed Withdrawal deadline” will be recoded, in which the W will be removed from transcripts. SMC will perform a “catch-up batch job” today, April 1, to take care of any outstanding W’s on student transcripts resulting from student or instructor-initiated drops, according to the announcement.
Global Pandemic affecting International Students
As colleges across the country close their campus and switch to online format due to COVID-19, many students fear the unknown. International students face an even more unpredictable outlook as they grapple with the choice to stay in America or attempt to rush back home to familiar surroundings.
Trump Extends Social Distancing to April 30
President Trump extended the timeline for the social distancing rules enacted in response to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) to April 30. The move comes after Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and point man on the U.S.’ response to the coronavirus predicted that COVID-19 could take as many as 200,000 American lives even after stringent preventative measures were enacted.
Misdemeanor if Caught Outdoors, While Mercy Arrives to LA
As COVID-19 expands it raises the case's numbers of the world and two SMC students test positive. California adopts rougher orders as public places close, while the 2.2 trillion Emergency Financial Package gets Signed and the Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy docks in Los Angeles.
Financial Insecurity and Online Scammers Arise Mid-Pandemic
Layoffs threaten the U.S. economy. Financial back up and health insurance become available to protect yourself from the coronavirus and to avoid penalties from the California mandatory health coverage law. During this process be aware of online scammers.
A Timeline of Santa Monica College Coronavirus Updates
A visual guide to the updates students of Santa Monica College (SMC) have received to how the college is adjusting during this pandemic.