Dear NY NYFA Campus,
Earlier today, The Governor of New York State declared a state of emergency. In doing so, New York State will now receive increased funding to support its efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Funds will be readily accessible, for example, to hire hospital workers, purchase needed supplies, and assist those in voluntary or mandated quarantine. Today’s announcement is actually anticipated and hopeful news. States of Emergency have already been declared for Florida and LA County.
At this time, there are no new CDC, or state or local health public department advisories demanding changes to the state’s or nation’s response to the present spread of coronavirus in the State of New York or the US. Hence, at this time, the health guidelines proposed in the most recent NYFA Health Alert (https://hub.nyfa.edu/health-alert) remain relevant, appropriate, and consistent with CDC, New York Public Health Department, and New York City Public Health Department directives.
For additional and continuously updated information regarding the incidence of COVID-19, guidelines for prevention, and state response plans for New York State, please visit the New York Public Health Department website: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/
For such information specific to New York City, please visit the New York City Department of Public Health website: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/coronavirus.page
NYFA, the CDC, and NY Public Departments continue to endorse the following non-pharmaceutical (and simple!) interventions to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus and other from respiratory illnesses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid shaking hands and other close physical greetings with coworkers and peers..
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, cover your cough or sneeze with a sleeve (not your hands).
- Follow general precautions during the winter season by getting the flu vaccination and taking antiviral medication, if prescribed.
For additional information and guidance, please refer to NYFA’s Health Alert, dated March 6, 2020: https://hub.nyfa.edu/health-alert