Update Monday evening, Nov. 4

[CalArts] – The CalArts Facilities staff is working in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Health Department’s (LADPH) recommendations to disinfect / clean the Institute’s offices, classrooms, rehearsal spaces, common areas and outbuildings in order to curtail the spread of last week’s rash of stomach illnesses that the LADPH has said appears consistent with a virus like the norovirus.

The CalArts Administration has decided to keep the campus closed at least through the end-of-day Tuesday, Nov. 5, so that the crews are given ample time to finish their processes thoroughly. While the Administration is optimistic that the gastrointestinal illness is on the wane, the decision has been made in the abundance of caution.

All non-resident students, faculty and non-essential staff are being asked to stay off campus on Tuesday. Only staff needed for continuing operations will be required to work Tuesday, and they will be notified directly by their supervisors if they are needed.

We will keep the CalArts community apprised of the situation, so please check your email and the CalArts website (www.calarts.edu/health-advisory) for future updates.

Earlier:

[KHTS] – CalArts’ campus is scheduled to re-open Tuesday, after a rash of unexplained illnesses shut down the Santa Clarita arts college campus over the weekend, a spokeswoman for the Valencia art school said Monday.

“As of now, thats what we’re thinking,” said Margaret Crane,  CalArts media relations manager. “We are taking all possible health precautions at this point,” she said Friday, after the school announced an unexpected closure in order to help fight a spread of the illness.

After school officials learned of 16 students becoming ill last week, the school took several precautionary measures and invited county health agencies on to campus to investigate potential causes.

The results of the tests are not yet available, but school officials released information about norovirus, a highly contagious stomach virus, that’s suspected to be the cause.

CalArts administrators have cancelled all classes and campus activities through the end of day Monday. That includes the popular CalArts Halloween party, which was scheduled for Friday night.

An online health update posted Friday on the university’s website states: “This is not a decision the administration and Student Council made lightly — but the health and safety of the entire CalArts community is our top priority.”

Students who live on campus were being allowed to remain on campus over the weekend.

CalArts faculty, staff members and students are being asked by the Public Health Department to complete an online survey to help pinpoint the cause of the outbreak.

School officials say to check the Campus Health Advisory webpage for up-to-date information.