Notice

Updated: March 17, 2020 at 3:19pm PST

Dear NYFA LA Community,

Although classes at the NYFA LA Campus are not being held in person, we continue to care about your well-being and support you in staying healthy and well. New information about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is emerging rapidly and NYFA continues to monitor recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and local health organizations.

Visit the NYFA Student HUB for the latest NYFA Health Alert Updates and to view past LA Campus updates.

Below is information to support the NYFA Community in staying healthy and well, while you attend on-line classes and work remotely.

Concerns about COVID-19 in the NYFA Community
As of today, the NYFA NY Campus has one confirmed student who tested positive for COVID-19. The NY student had no contact with the NYFA NY community since March 12 and had no symptoms prior to leaving NY on March 15. The NY student was tested in their home country on March 16. NYFA is taking appropriate action, following CDC directives.

The LA and South Beach Campuses continue to have NO CONFIRMED CASES of COVID-19.

• If a member of the LA Campus tests positive for COVID-19, be assured we will activate our notification process to contact anyone who may need to be isolated or tested, and we will send a notice to the NYFA LA Campus community.
• As testing for COVID-19 becomes more broadly available, NYFA is prepared for the reality of increased potential and confirmed cases across the country and at NYFA.
• When there are confirmed cases, we will update the NYFA Health Alert Updates on the NYFA Student HUB.
• If you suspect you have COVID-19, if you have been tested for COVID-19, or if you believe a member of the NYFA community has COVID-19, you are encouraged to email Dr. Susan Ashe, Dean of Students (deanstudentsla@nyfa.edu).

City of Los Angeles and LA Area Updates

• The cites of Los Angeles and Burbank have temporarily closed bars, nightclubs, restaurants (except takeout/delivery), entertainment venues, and other establishments in the city of Los Angeles until at least March 31.
• There are no food shortages, grocery stores remain open, and LA Mayor Garcetti reminds us there is no need to panic buy.

Social Distancing Reminders

• Avoid social gatherings in groups of 10 or more people
• Keep a distance of 6 feet between you and others
• Check the websites for LA County Public Health and the CDC for additional updates about social distancing.
• NYFA has cancelled or postponed all in-person events including guest speakers, athletics, and club-related activities.

Feeling Anxious or Overwhelmed
If you are experiencing stress and anxiety in response to the information you are receiving about the coronavirus, or if you fear for your own health and/or the health and safety of loved ones, you are not alone. It is normal to feel sad, anxious or overwhelmed in the face of these uncertain times. You also may be experiencing other normal but troubling symptoms of distress, such as difficulty sleeping, headaches or changes in appetite.

• Students
  • NYFA Counseling Services is eager to help you cope and endure these stressful times.
  • Please reach out for support to CounselingLA@nyfa.edu.
  • Counseling Services is offering online therapeutic sessions and counseling via Zoom to students who would like support during this time. Counseling Services will also be available for phone check-ins and group meetings.
• Faculty / Staff
  • NYFA offers free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), EAP offers no cost support to NYFA employees for a variety of emotional challenges
  • Please reach out to Life Balance for a professional consultation
    • Call: 800-854-1446
    • Log-in: www.lifebalance.net - User ID & Password: lifebalance

Opportunity for Free Internet

• Comcast has taken steps to help more people have access to the internet while the country deals with the effects of COVID-19.
  • Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone: Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser.
  • Internet Essentials Free to New Customers: Low-income families who live in a Comcast service area can sign-up for Internet Essentials, free for 60 days to all qualified households. Visit the Internet Essentials COVID-19 website for more information.
• Check with your wireless provider for information about wireless data caps and mobile hotspotting, for the opportunity to use your wireless device for internet connection.

Beware of Coronavirus Scams
The U.S. Secret Service is reminding all that there are a growing number of scams emerging that may attempt to take advantage of you through misinformation on websites, phishing emails, social media, and text messages.
Scammers may include:

• An attempt to sell ineffective remedies claiming they can treat or prevent COVID-19
• An attempt to pretend to be a government agency with access to a vaccine
• An attempt to pose as a charity soliciting donations for victims

Tips to protect yourself from scams:

• Avoid opening emails from unknown sources
• Don’t click on texts or links from sources you don’t know
• Make sure anti-malware and antivirus software on your computer
• Make sure your operating system on your smartphone or tablet is up-to-date
• Be careful when given unsolicited information or advice regarding coronavirus
• Be cautious of emails or phone calls requesting your account information, and verify any requested information comes from a legitimate source
• Visit websites by typing in the domain name yourself
• Learn more about emerging scams and how to protect yourself online by visiting the Federal Trade Commission’s website
• Disregard online offers for vaccinations against coronavirus, as a vaccine does not yet exist. Stay informed about the latest updates through verified sources such as:
  • CDC website
  • WHO website

Keep it Clean
If you or a housemate is sick, practice general cleaning guidance for group settings found through the LA County Public Health website.

• Clean all frequently touched surfaces and items (counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, trash cans, phones, remote controls, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables).
• Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered product that cleans (removes germs) and disinfects (kills germs), and follow the product instructions.
• Wash sheets, blankets, towels, curtains and other linens with household laundry soap and hot water (167 °F or more). Dry on a high heat setting according to fabric labels.
• Clean and sanitize plates, glasses, and silverware in a dishwasher or by hand with soap, hot water, and an EPA approved sanitizer.
• Clean mops and cloths with soap and hot water and sanitize with an EPA-registered disinfectant or bleach solution and allow to dry.
• Immediately throw away all disposable cleaning items.
• Wash hands frequently, including after emptying waste baskets and touching tissues and similar waste.

Student Support Services

• Student support services will continue to operate, but may alter their communication methods and methods of delivery.
• Open offices include: Registrar, Financial Aid, Bursar, Veterans Services, Counseling Services, Academic Affairs, Accessibility Services, Title IX, Student Conduct, Student Life, Housing, International Student Office, Writing Center, Library, Academic Advising, Film Festivals, Career Development & Industry Outreach, Alumni Affairs, Athletics, and others.
• If you need assistance from any student support services, contact the office by phone: 818-333-3558, or find a NYFA staff email on the HUB (https://hub.nyfa.edu/directory) to make an appointment.

Access to NYFA Buildings

• Students will not be allowed on campus, until otherwise noted, unless you have made an appointment with a campus office.
• Faculty should be prepared to work remotely, unless you have made other arrangements with your department chair.
• Staff should check with their supervisor about working remotely.
• Riverside Building will remain open for approved faculty and staff, and for students by appointment only.
• Barham and Burbank Studios buildings are closed, until otherwise noted.

Regards,

Dan Mackler
Dean of NYFA LA