Notice

Updated: March 9, 2020 at 6:45pm

Guidelines for Protecting the Health of the NY Campus

Dear NYFA Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Despite the rising incidence of confirmed COVID-19 cases in New York City (current number of cases is 20), risk of transmission for New York City remains low and residents who are healthy are not being advised to make dramatic changes to their current routines. On 3/08/2020, however, the New York City Department of Public Health published new guidelines designed to slow the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in New York City.   NYFA is adopting these guidelines for the NY campus. 

Please read carefully the revised guidelines described below.   

If you start to feel ill: 

• STAY HOME and call your health care provider, health care facility, or virtual health resource if you experience any ONE of the following symptoms:

• Fever 

• Cough

• Difficulty Breathing

• Sneezing

• Sore Throat

Monitor your symptoms.  If your health isn’t improving within 24-28 hours, seek immediate medical care.

• Seek immediate medical care if you are an older adult (age 65 and older), have a weakened immune system and/or a chronic medical illness (such lung disease, diabetes, or heart disease) AND any of the symptoms noted above.

• Seek immediate medical assistance if you develop any of the following emergency warning signs of COVID-19.  This list is not all- inclusive:

• Shortness of breath

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

• New confusion or inability to arouse

• Bluish lips or face

• Follow any medical directives you receive --via phone or in the context of a medical appointment -- and do not return to school/work until you are medically cleared to do so.

• If you have a fever, stay home and do not attend classes or return to work until you are free of fever for 72 hours, without the aid of fever reducing medications.

If you are being tested for COVID-19 and if you have been sent home to self-quarantine and/or self-monitor, please adhere to the following guidelines:

• Monitor your symptoms and call your health provider immediately should your symptoms worsen.

• Take your temperature twice daily.

• Avoid sharing household items.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into your sleeve.  Dispose of the tissue in a lined trashcan and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home, such as TV remotes, computer keyboards, phones, refrigerator and door handles, etc.).

• Stay home and avoid contact with others and nonessential travel.

• Do not visit friends and family members who are older adults or chronically ill.

• Avoid traveling via public transportation, taxis or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.

• Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).

• Stay connected with family and friends through email, Skype, phone, and social media to ward of feelings of loneliness and isolation.

• Reach out to NYFA staff for assistance and guidance (see below for contact information).

At the present time, New York State and City public health departments are not advising residents to curtail their activities.  Residents who are not experiencing cold/flu symptoms may continue to take public transportation, report to work, attend classes, and frequent restaurants, health clubs, museums and public gatherings/events.  Residents who are sick (cold/flu symptoms) are advised to STAY HOME.  And NY residents with chronic conditions, such as heart disease, compromised immune systems, chronic lung disease and/or cancer, are advised to limit their exposure to large gatherings and crowds.  

Avoiding exposure to the virus remains the most effective strategy in preventing illness and staying healthy.  It has recently been confirmed that the virus is only spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets however can travel only 3 feet!  Hence, at this time, public health departments are endorsing social distancing strategies to slow down spread of the virus.   

Please adhere to the following social distancing directives to ensure your personal health and safety:

• Walk or bike to work/school, if possible.

• Do not board an overcrowded subway car.  Wait for the next train. (Modifications of the late policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)

• Do not board an overcrowded elevator.  Wait for the next elevator or take the stairs, if able. (Modifications of the late policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)

• Classroom chairs will be placed 3-6 feet apart. 

• Classroom exercises and teaching practices will not require close contact with others.

As noted in previous NYFA Health Alerts, NYFA students, faculty and staff are strongly advised to follow best practice guidelines for preventing the transmission of respiratory illness, noted below:

• 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 unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Monitor your health more closely than usual for cold or flu symptoms.

• Cover your coughs or sneezes with a tissue (or sleeve) and throw the tissue in a lined trashcan.

• Avoid shaking hands and other close physical greetings with coworkers and peers.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Follow general precautions by getting the flu vaccination and taking antiviral medication, if prescribed. 

We sincerely thank you for complying with these guidelines and doing your part to ensure your health and the health and safety of our community.  

For daily updates on the latest developments with the coronavirus in New York City, please sign up for the City’s text notification system by texting COVID to 692-692.

For more detailed information regarding the incidence of COVID-19 in New York City and the directives summarized above, please visit the NYC Public Health Department website:  https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/coronavirus.page

Medical Resources

Urgent Care Facilities

NYFA students, faculty and staff can receive same day medical assessment/treatment at the following facilities located in close proximity to campuses in NY, LA and Miami. Please call ahead.  

• New York: CityMD  24 Broad Street, NY NY 10005  tel. 646.647.1259

                   NYU Langone MedHatten , NY NY 10005  tel. 646-461-2544

Tele-Health and Virtual Visit Options:

Students covered by NYFA Student Health Insurance Plan (NYFASHIP)

• Teladoc.com/Aetna 1-855-Teladoc (835-2362)

Faculty/Staff covered by United Behavioral Health Care ($25 copay)

• Doctorondemand.com

• Americanwell.com

• Teladoc.com

Hotlines and Help Centers

New York State: 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-364-3065)

NYFA Resources

Disposable Thermometers

In the event any member of our community is feeling feverish, disposable thermometers are available on campus. To access a thermometer and instruction sheet, please go the locations noted below.

NY: 5th floor receptionist counter.

NYFA Staff Resources

Please request guidance or report concerns regarding your health and/or the health of other NYFA students, faculty or staff members to:

Students:

Sandra Schein, Dean of Students, NY: sandra.schein@nyfa.edu

Faculty/Staff:

Domingo Morales, Associate HR Director (NY, 

Your health, well-being and ability to safely continue your studies/work remain our highest priorities.  We thank you for your continuing partnership and patience in this evolving situation.

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NYFA Administration