(Updated September 21st, 2020)
The global 2020 COVID-19 pandemic is continuing to affect various regions at the local, national and global levels:
Northwell Health Coronavirus Digital Resource Center and many other research institutions are anticipating reliable treatment and vaccination options in the coming months and recommend preventative measures.
Free COVID-19 testing is available at all medical facilities across the U.S.
Our friends at Lexington Medical Associates (212-750-5088) are available to address questions related to detection of the virus, preventative measures and more.
The NYC Mayor's Office texting chain will continue to provide direct updates about (1) available services, (2) resources, and (3) street closings; text "COVID" to 692692 to join the messaging group.
Free Online COVID Awareness Course: Our friends at Columbia University are offering a free online course with the latest updates on COVID research, prevention and progress (for the vaccine). To register, click here.
BREAKTHROUGH ARTICLES
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
(October 2020)
(September 2020)
Wall Street Journal
(September 2020)
(September 2020)
Is It Safe to Be on Campus?
Most colleges and universities are running online and hybrid courses in the Fall 2020 semesters in addition to very limited face-to-face courses. New and returning students are strongly recommended to uphold the standard safety measures to prevent exposure to the virus.
Non-essential travel on public transportation is still not recommended since sanitizing protocols are not reliable.
BASIC FACTS ABOUT COVID-19
INCUBATION PERIOD: 2-14 days
CONTRACTION: Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for contraction & transmission of this respiratory virus:
People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic.
Person-to-person spread between people in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, which can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby, possibly inhaled into the lungs.
Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects that have the virus on it, then touching mouth, nose, or eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
SYMPTOMS: CDC guidelines for common symptoms. Flu-like symptoms within 2-14 days following exposure to the virus, including:
High Fever (100.4 or higher)
Shortness of Breath
Trouble Breathing
Pneumonia
Sepsis
Changes in Mental Status
Severe Dehydration
Cough
Sore Throat
Runny Nose
Headache
Malaise
Muscle Aches
Chills
Loss of Taste & Smell
WHO IS AT RISK? Those primarily at risk should be tested immediately, including:
Anyone struggling with chronic illness.
Anyone who is knowingly in contact with someone infected with COVID-19
Anyone requiring hospitalization for one or more of the aforementioned symptoms.
If one of these describes you, immediately contact your doctor for FREE Testing!
PREVENTION & TREATMENT: CDC guidelines for preventative NPI (Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions) in the absence of a vaccine:
Run a daily self-check for fever and other symptoms.
Cover your face with a proper mask, covering BOTH your nose and mouth
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Maintain proper physical distancing (6 feet apart on all sides).
Wash hands frequently.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with regular cleaning spray/wipes.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially
after going to the bathroom;
before eating;
after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing;
if hands are visibly dirty.
If you're using hand sanitizer, make sure that it is an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Also, check the list of sanitizers that was recently recalled by the FDA.
Avoid close contact with sick people.
Avoid public transportation, cramped spaces and places where proper disinfection of the space is questionable.
If you are sick, stay home and notify your healthcare provider.
NOTE: Masks with small plastic parts or gaps are not appropriate face covers against COVID-19.
For those returning to work, it is recommended you carry one mask for your work space and another for outside.
Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) List of Reliable Disinfectants
OFFICIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FACE MASKS
Wear a face mask at all times. Regardless of whether or not you have contracted the virus, it is important to cover your nose and mouth while in any public places (indoors or outdoors).
Face Shields do not replace masks. COVID 19 is a respiratory virus. It is transmitted through the inhalation of respiratory droplets.
For those returning to work, it is only safe to remove your mask (for any reason) if you are in alone in a private office or space with the door closed.
If you work in a crowded cubicle space you should ask your employer for the office policies for safe space and free protective masks/face coverings.
ALL PEOPLE should wear masks (even if they are not showing symptoms) as they are possible carriers of the virus and can infect those who are vulnerable to contracting the virus.
IS IT SAFE TO RETURN TO WORK?
GUIDELINES FOR RETURN TO WORK: Consult your school's/company's Preliminary Safe Space Training & Policy.
If your work can be completed remotely, you should work from home.
If your office space was not properly retrofitted and disinfected in compliance with COVID-19 Safety Standards, speak with your supervisor about (1) working safely from home, (2) modified space usage, (3) staggered work schedule and other viable options for maintaining safe social distancing protocols.
If you are required to be on site, they are required to provide proper training to all essential personnel and also to provide sanitizer, soap and disinfectants as well as back-up protective covering in case your reusable mask is compromised while at work.
If you feel uncomfortable with the lack of provisions for your return to work, notify your supervisor. If he/she ignores your inquiry, notify Human Resources. (If you require an attorney to mediate the issue, Pardalis & Nohavicka have been very proactive in addressing cases related to COVID-19 workplace issues.)
WHERE IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL?
GUIDELINES FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL: Sign up for the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for regular and reliable updates on where it is safe (and unsafe) to travel. There are international travel restrictions in place and quarantine notifications for parts of the U.S. Additional travel advisories are also available at the U.S. Department of State’s Homepage.
GUIDELINES FOR LOCAL TRAVEL: Many employers and medical practices are still recommending that people refrain from taking ANY public transportation due to the close proximity it forces upon passengers. NYC MTA is still not taking sufficient measures to protect passengers from one another or to maintain adequate standards of cleanliness on its subways and buses.
REOPENING OF PUBLIC FACILITIES: While many offices, clubs and shops are gradually reopening, it us recommended that you pay close attention to restrictions and capacity limits. Restaurants have reopened with outdoor dining options, however it is important to be logical and note whether there is safe space between you, oncoming traffic and pedestrians who are passing in the space designated for your dining area. Shows and conference normally operating with live studio audiences are still functioning with restrictions and, many cases, partial staff. It is best to contact the place you'd like to visit prior to going there with friends and family to avoid unsafe overcrowding.
LIFESTYLE TIPS DURING THE CRISIS
We're recommending that people stay home as much as possible, especially those who may be more susceptible to contracting respiratory ailments due to existing chronic medical issues or harsh treatments of serious ailments (e.g., chemo, etc.).
Stay Strong! Keep taking your daily supplements and maintain a balanced diet with proper vitamins/nutrients. Those struggling with chronic illness should be vigilant about proper medication and diet. Smokers and vapers are recommended to refrain (click here).
For those who already enjoy their daily lifestyle routines, we recommend that you please visit the following link: Staying Fit at Home During the COVID-19 Crisis (March 15th, 2020)
Need to Go Out During the Crisis? (1) Avoid public transportation and cramped spaces, (2) Carry antibacterial wipes or sanitizer, (3) avoid touching your face, (4) wear a mask at all times, (5) upon returning home, spray jackets/shoes/bags with antibacterial spray (or place directly into the laundry; (6) if you're infected, stay home and quarantined.
Safe Shopping During the Crisis: Here's a great new video about safe shopping during the COVID-19 crisis: https://youtu.be/sjDuwc9KBps
Common sense? Yes! Don't panic!!!
Many places of worship have officially reopened at limited capacity. For those stressed about attending church services, we recommend you please join the congregation online: Online Sunday Liturgy.
Students and employees stressed about policies for medical leave at your school/workplace should download and submit the formal letter from the NYC Department of Health.
NYC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Guidelines for Schools, Businesses and Facilities
Keep COVID-19 from spreading in your community (Updated May 10th):
EMPLOYER/EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
Save your Small Business
Opportunities are available throughout the U.S. to help small business owners to stay in business during and after the pandemic (Updated May 8th):
COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
Philo4Thought and its Strategic Partners are taking great measures to make advisory resources available to the young professional community!
Check out our Lifestyle Page and other available resources. We also invite you to tune in to our monthly Young Professional Empowerment events.
MORE HELPFUL LINKS
Dissatisfied with the NYC Chancellor's plan of action for CUNY and K-12 students?
Click Here to file a complaint.
(Select "PUBLIC SAFETY" as the subject line to your complaint.)
Dissatisfied with the NYC Chancellor's failure to address concerns from K-12 Public School Faculty, Staff, Students and Parents?
Click Here to take action and mobilize.
