MARC MARCH 30, 2020 H 26, 2020
County public health order extended indefinitely
San Diego County's public health order, which had been set to expire tomorrow, has been extended indefinitely. The order mandates the closure of non-essential businesses, including schools, restaurant dining areas, and gyms.

Under the order, San Diego County residents may leave their homes for essential reasons. This includes buying food, picking up medications and exercising. People are being asked to continue practicing social-distancing and keep six feet apart from individuals other than their household members.

Social distancing has been proven to slow the spread of pandemics so that numbers of sick people don’t overwhelm the local health care system and emergency care remains available for non-COVID patients.
Some work-from-home tips
Working from home can be a tough transition. Cheryl Detwiler from HR provided some advice by experts.

  • Establish a dedicated space for work. It would be ideal to not have it in a shared space, but if that’s not possible, try to find a lesser trafficked area not easily accessible by everyone so you can physically separate your home life and work life.
  • If you are working in a house full of people, try to work in a space that has a door that can close or use some quality headphones.
  • Have some sort of ritual when you wake up and before you log in (i.e. washing your face, getting dressed, making coffee, etc.). This will help prepare yourself for the transition to work.
  • Try to keep a schedule for your breaks and lunches. Try to step away from your computer for lunch at a specific time every day.
  • When you shut down your computer… shut it down. It’s over and you’re no longer at your desk. Treat it like you left your office for the day. (Yes, there are certain circumstances that will pop up. These are not hard and fast rules.)
  • If you’re getting stressed out, take a break. Walk away from the computer, make a cup of tea, grab a glass of water, or take a quick walk down the block. Take a few minutes to give yourself a breather. You are not chained to your desk.
  • Don't let house chores intrude on your work time. Again, separate work life from home life.

Tips for Managing Remote Employees

  • Create and assign projects that have deliverables
  • Provide employees clear timelines for deliverables
  • Encourage supervisors to call to check in with employees
  • Pay attention to responsiveness of employees. How fast do they respond to emails? Are they available when called?
  • Utilize video conferencing and webinars (Zoom, GoToMeeting, etc.)
In the News
In the Remote Report, you’ll see important updates, get your questions answered, and learn ways to help us all navigate this new world of mass telecommuting. Issues of the Remote Report will be archived on the District COVID-19 Employee Resource page.

If you have news to share or discovered a tip that helps you work better remotely, pass it on. Please send your items to Anne Krueger , Christianne Penunuri (Cuyamaca College) or Lorena Ruggero (Grossmont College).