MARCMA MAY 4, 2020 H 26, 2020
County COVID-19 testing site starts
at Grossmont College Tuesday
Grossmont College is one of three COVID-19 testing sites that are being opened by the county Health and Human Services Agency tomorrow.

The testing will be conducted in Griffin Gate and is scheduled for tomorrow through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The district agreed to the county's request to use the Grossmont College facilities as part of its commitment to serve East County during this crisis.
Testing is by appointment only.  Appointments can be made online at   https://lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling 211.

The other appointment-only testing sites being opened are at the former Sears store in Chula Vista and at the county's North Inland Live Well Center in Escondido.
Remember your ergonomics
Maintaining good ergonomics is even more important when working from home, where an informal work setting may cause some employees to forget proper form. Sitting up in bed with a laptop does not lead to optimum productivity and safety.
 Avoiding Back Strain
  • Working with poor posture can lead to back discomfort and fatigue.
  • Utilize items such as small pillows or folded blankets to provide cushioning either as lumbar support or padding to sit on, if needed.
  • Place laptop or keyboard and mouse at around elbow height.
  • When working on a laptop, angle the laptop screen upwards to avoid bending.
  • Consider using a separate monitor placed at eye level, or a separate keyboard at elbow level.
  • Keep feet flat on the floor. Use a footrest, if feet are dangling. 

Avoiding Shoulder and Arm Strain
  • Maintain the location of your keyboard and mouse to minimize reaching and stretching and allow your shoulders to rest. 
  • When making phone calls, either hold the phone in your hand, place the call on speakerphone, or consider using a headset or earbuds if you need to write or type while on the call.
  • Break up the routine: stand, stretch, move around, and look away from your screen frequently. 
  • Set a timer for every 30 minutes to remind yourself to move around. 
  • If you have a table or counter that is bar height, switch to standing for a few minutes every hour.
My home office: Nicole Hernandez
Today’s home office:  Nicole Hernandez, Cuyamaca College Child Development faculty member
1. Describe your home office: My home office is my kitchen table when I need to grade, read emails and prep for classes.

I share this space with my son while he does his schoolwork. The other part of my home office is our extra bedroom. This is where I hold any Zoom class sessions and meetings. I use a laptop, and I always have my AirPods so I can listen to music. The couch is also part of my workspace when I am grading papers after my children have gone to bed.
2. What is a typical day for you working from home? A typical workday starts with me getting everyone breakfast and ready for the day. Once my children have eaten and are ready, I get my son’s homework ready and get him started. Then I make myself breakfast and start working. I have to take frequent pauses to help my son with his homework since he is in Kindergarten.This is a challenge, but we are managing. We all eat lunch together and then the kids have rest time. That’s my chance to get a bunch of work done. Before my day ends, I create a list of things that I need to accomplish the next day. 

3. What tip would you pass on to other GCCCD employees?    A tip for employees would be to find the joy in these moments. I have played more games, had multiple dance parties and baked with my children more frequently because we have had to slow down. While this isn’t the ideal situation, take in every moment and enjoy it!
 
Share your new working conditions with your fellow employees and we'll feature them in the Remote Report. Take a photo of you in your home office and answer the three questions above. Send them to Anne Krueger . Submissions may be edited for length and clarity.
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 Remote Report 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).