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Several East Coast Universities Cancel Classes in Coronavirus Response Several East Coast Universities Cancel Classes in Coronavirus Response
(about 4 hours later)
Several universities on the East Coast announced new policies over the weekend and Monday to head off the spread of the coronavirus, including virtual classes and curtailing campus gatherings.Several universities on the East Coast announced new policies over the weekend and Monday to head off the spread of the coronavirus, including virtual classes and curtailing campus gatherings.
Their measures came after major schools took steps to curb regional outbreaks on the West Coast. Last week, the University of Washington shifted entirely to online courses for its 50,000 students, and Stanford University announced that classes would not meet in person.Their measures came after major schools took steps to curb regional outbreaks on the West Coast. Last week, the University of Washington shifted entirely to online courses for its 50,000 students, and Stanford University announced that classes would not meet in person.
In New York, four universities followed suit over the weekend. Columbia University canceled classes Monday and Tuesday and said that classes would be taught remotely for the rest of the week. Hofstra University on Long Island and Yeshiva University in Manhattan announced that classes would be canceled for the week.In New York, four universities followed suit over the weekend. Columbia University canceled classes Monday and Tuesday and said that classes would be taught remotely for the rest of the week. Hofstra University on Long Island and Yeshiva University in Manhattan announced that classes would be canceled for the week.
On Monday, two more schools announced similar measures. Princeton University said in a statement that it was requiring all lectures and seminars be held virtually, starting March 23, and that it would curtail large gatherings on campus. And Berklee College of Music in Boston announced that students traveling over spring break to certain states and countries would not be allowed on campus until after a 14-day self-quarantine.On Monday, two more schools announced similar measures. Princeton University said in a statement that it was requiring all lectures and seminars be held virtually, starting March 23, and that it would curtail large gatherings on campus. And Berklee College of Music in Boston announced that students traveling over spring break to certain states and countries would not be allowed on campus until after a 14-day self-quarantine.
A student and two faculty members at Yeshiva tested positive for the virus last week, and Hofstra said that a student had started showing symptoms after attending a conference; that test result is pending. Columbia said a university community member was quarantined for exposure to the new coronavirus.A student and two faculty members at Yeshiva tested positive for the virus last week, and Hofstra said that a student had started showing symptoms after attending a conference; that test result is pending. Columbia said a university community member was quarantined for exposure to the new coronavirus.
Princeton also said it would restrict “university-sponsored travel,” and encouraged students to stay home after spring break, which runs through March 22. The university said that the risk to the school was low, but that the restrictions, which will be in place until at least April 5, were proactive.Princeton also said it would restrict “university-sponsored travel,” and encouraged students to stay home after spring break, which runs through March 22. The university said that the risk to the school was low, but that the restrictions, which will be in place until at least April 5, were proactive.
“Our medical advisers tell us the best time to put in place policies to contain the spread of #Covid-19 is now, before we begin to see cases on our campus,” the school said in a tweet, referring to the virus.“Our medical advisers tell us the best time to put in place policies to contain the spread of #Covid-19 is now, before we begin to see cases on our campus,” the school said in a tweet, referring to the virus.
Berklee said on its website that anyone returning from countries where the outbreak is particularly sever — South Korea, Iran, Italy and China — or from states that have declared emergencies — California, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Oregon, Utah, and Washington — would have to self-quarantine for two weeks.Berklee said on its website that anyone returning from countries where the outbreak is particularly sever — South Korea, Iran, Italy and China — or from states that have declared emergencies — California, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Oregon, Utah, and Washington — would have to self-quarantine for two weeks.
In a post on the university’s website, Columbia’s president, Lee C. Bollinger, said it was important to note that the person who had been exposed had not tested positive for the virus.In a post on the university’s website, Columbia’s president, Lee C. Bollinger, said it was important to note that the person who had been exposed had not tested positive for the virus.
“This action is intended to prevent the virus from spreading,” Mr. Bollinger said.“This action is intended to prevent the virus from spreading,” Mr. Bollinger said.
Mr. Bollinger did not say whether the person was a student or a faculty member, or how the person had been exposed to the virus.Mr. Bollinger did not say whether the person was a student or a faculty member, or how the person had been exposed to the virus.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York declared a state of emergency on Saturday as the number of coronavirus cases rose. As of Sunday night, more than 100 people in New York State had tested positive for the virus, according to state and local health officials, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York declared a state of emergency on Saturday as the number of coronavirus cases rose. As of Sunday night, more than 100 people in New York State had tested positive for the virus, according to state and local health officials, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Barnard College, which is considered one of Columbia’s four undergraduate colleges but is an independent institution, announced that it was taking the same precautions. In a post on Barnard’s website, the college’s president, Sian Leah Beilock, characterized the person’s exposure as an isolated case.Barnard College, which is considered one of Columbia’s four undergraduate colleges but is an independent institution, announced that it was taking the same precautions. In a post on Barnard’s website, the college’s president, Sian Leah Beilock, characterized the person’s exposure as an isolated case.
The cancellations coincide with midterm examinations for many students, which Ms. Beilock said she had asked to be suspended or given in a take-home format.The cancellations coincide with midterm examinations for many students, which Ms. Beilock said she had asked to be suspended or given in a take-home format.
“It is important to know that our actions are out of an abundance of caution,” she said.“It is important to know that our actions are out of an abundance of caution,” she said.
Students at Columbia and Barnard College won’t return to the classroom for two weeks because spring recess is next week. In 2019, there were 33,413 total students and 4,364 total faculty members at Columbia, according to the university’s website. At Barnard, there were 2,682 undergraduate students and 253 full-time faculty members as of the fall.Students at Columbia and Barnard College won’t return to the classroom for two weeks because spring recess is next week. In 2019, there were 33,413 total students and 4,364 total faculty members at Columbia, according to the university’s website. At Barnard, there were 2,682 undergraduate students and 253 full-time faculty members as of the fall.
Kelly Fuller, a freshman at Barnard who is currently taking a global health class, said it was difficult to say whether canceling classes was the best decision, but “I’m glad they’re doing something.”Kelly Fuller, a freshman at Barnard who is currently taking a global health class, said it was difficult to say whether canceling classes was the best decision, but “I’m glad they’re doing something.”
“When we got the email, it was like, thank you, yeah, that’s what I wanted,” she said. “You’re recognizing that it’s important for us to not get sick.”“When we got the email, it was like, thank you, yeah, that’s what I wanted,” she said. “You’re recognizing that it’s important for us to not get sick.”
Maya Perry, 22, called it a “sensible” decision, but said that all of her classes at Columbia this semester were small-group seminars, like a 12-person class on American cultural criticism that she worried might not work as well online.Maya Perry, 22, called it a “sensible” decision, but said that all of her classes at Columbia this semester were small-group seminars, like a 12-person class on American cultural criticism that she worried might not work as well online.
“I was looking forward to a particular class discussion on Tuesday, but obviously safety is more important than that,” she said.“I was looking forward to a particular class discussion on Tuesday, but obviously safety is more important than that,” she said.
Ms. Beilock said that residence halls, libraries and other university buildings would remain open, but that all events and gatherings had been canceled, in addition to admissions tours. She said the university had consulted with city and state health officials on the plan.Ms. Beilock said that residence halls, libraries and other university buildings would remain open, but that all events and gatherings had been canceled, in addition to admissions tours. She said the university had consulted with city and state health officials on the plan.
Updated May 28, 2020 Updated June 1, 2020
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
There is an uptick in people reporting symptoms of chilblains, which are painful red or purple lesions that typically appear in the winter on fingers or toes. The lesions are emerging as yet another symptom of infection with the new coronavirus. Chilblains are caused by inflammation in small blood vessels in reaction to cold or damp conditions, but they are usually common in the coldest winter months. Federal health officials do not include toe lesions in the list of coronavirus symptoms, but some dermatologists are pushing for a change, saying so-called Covid toe should be sufficient grounds for testing.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
“We all share the goal of upholding the health and safety of our community,” she said, “and we ask for your consideration and caring of each other during this difficult time.”“We all share the goal of upholding the health and safety of our community,” she said, “and we ask for your consideration and caring of each other during this difficult time.”
The precautionary measures taken by Columbia and Barnard came as public school administrators in one town in Westchester County, N.Y., announced on Sunday that a middle school teacher had tested positive for the virus and that classes had been canceled for the week at all public schools there.The precautionary measures taken by Columbia and Barnard came as public school administrators in one town in Westchester County, N.Y., announced on Sunday that a middle school teacher had tested positive for the virus and that classes had been canceled for the week at all public schools there.
The town, Scarsdale, which is about 25 miles north of Midtown Manhattan, was following the recommendation of the Westchester County health commissioner, school officials said in a post on the district’s website.The town, Scarsdale, which is about 25 miles north of Midtown Manhattan, was following the recommendation of the Westchester County health commissioner, school officials said in a post on the district’s website.
They said the teacher was showing mild symptoms of the illness and that the school district wanted to be vigilant for “immuno-compromised” people.They said the teacher was showing mild symptoms of the illness and that the school district wanted to be vigilant for “immuno-compromised” people.
The school system said it was working with health officials to contact families of students who had been exposed to the teacher. All school buildings will be disinfected, the post on the district’s website said.The school system said it was working with health officials to contact families of students who had been exposed to the teacher. All school buildings will be disinfected, the post on the district’s website said.
“We recognize that this news will be concerning to many of our students and families,” the post said.“We recognize that this news will be concerning to many of our students and families,” the post said.
In New Canaan, Conn., public school officials announced on Sunday that classes would be delayed two hours on Monday so teachers could organize materials for students to take home with them in case the schools close because of the coronavirus.In New Canaan, Conn., public school officials announced on Sunday that classes would be delayed two hours on Monday so teachers could organize materials for students to take home with them in case the schools close because of the coronavirus.
Ned Lamont, Connecticut’s governor, announced on Sunday that a resident of Wilton, Conn., which neighbors New Canaan, had become the first state resident to test positive for the virus. The person, who the governor said was between 40 and 50 years old and had recently traveled to California, was being treated at Danbury Hospital.Ned Lamont, Connecticut’s governor, announced on Sunday that a resident of Wilton, Conn., which neighbors New Canaan, had become the first state resident to test positive for the virus. The person, who the governor said was between 40 and 50 years old and had recently traveled to California, was being treated at Danbury Hospital.
A New York resident who is an employee of Danbury Hospital and Norwalk Hospital in Connecticut also tested positive for the coronavirus, Mr. Lamont said on Friday.A New York resident who is an employee of Danbury Hospital and Norwalk Hospital in Connecticut also tested positive for the coronavirus, Mr. Lamont said on Friday.
Daniel Victor contributed reporting.Daniel Victor contributed reporting.