The drive-thru COVID-19 test site at College of the Canyons is set to be closed Thursday in anticipation of a protest nearby.

Thursday, officials with the City of Santa Clarita expect there to be a large gathering of Black Lives Matter protesters near the corner of Valencia Blvd and McBean Pkwy, just down the road from College of the Canyons.

“Given the proximity to our Valencia Campus, the college’s Incident Command Team has been in communication with the City of Santa Clarita and the SCV Sheriff’s Station about their response preparations,” wrote Mike Wilding from the College’s Incident Command Team.

In anticipation of the protest, College of the Canyons is planning to close its Valencia campus, including the drive through style COVID-19 testing center in the newly built parking structure.

“Moreover, there exists the possibility of counter protesters, further straining local resources,” Wilding continued. “In addition, we have all seen looters taking advantage of peaceful protests in other communities, so the City of Santa Clarita, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, Los Angeles County Fire Department, California Highway Patrol and other agencies developed an operational plan to protect nearby businesses and the community in case of violence.”

Parking will not be available at the college for anyone planning to attend the protest. Campus Safety is set to close all entrances to the campus except Lot 1. and will provide for rides to buildings like the University Center, according to Wilding.

The drive-thru COVID-19 testing site located in the parking structure will be closed on Thursday.  It is expected to reopen on Friday for normal operations.

College employees who had planned to work on campus Thursday are also being encouraged to work from home for the day. The campus is said to be continuously patrolled by security, according to Wilding.

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