Dear NYFA Los Angeles Students, Faculty and Staff,
As of March 4, 2020, the County of Los Angeles declared a local health emergency in response to the coronavirus and the recently confirmed COVID-19 cases within Los Angeles County. In a press release from LA County Public Health, the County states “there is no current need for significant social distancing measures” and has not recommended a school closure at this time. Per recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and LA County Public Health, NYFA is taking this opportunity to create a plan in the event social distancing measures or school closure is recommended.
The most recent NYFA Health Alert from March 2, 2020 is still in effect (https://hub.nyfa.edu/health-alert). NYFA is continuously monitoring the recommendations from the CDC and LA County Public Health and will send updates to the NYFA Health Alert as additional information becomes available and relevant.
LA County Public Health continues to recommend that the public do the following to protect themselves and others from respiratory illnesses:
Stay home when you are sick.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands.
Limit close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils, with people who are sick.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands).
Facemasks are most effective when used appropriately by health care workers and those directly caring for people who are sick and by people who are sick (source control).
Get a flu immunization to prevent influenza if you have not done so this season.
