Hofstra University
Online classes are in effect for the rest of the semester at Hofstra University beginning Monday, March 23. As employers have asked all non-essential personnel to remain at home, Hofstra employees will not be exempt from copays, deductibles or other out-of-pocket medical expenses if they get tested for COVID-19. Hofstra’s Employee Assistance Program will offer confidential counseling on a short-term basis.
All academic and administrative offices have been closed, including Axinn Library and the childcare center. Dining facilities will remain open for international students unable to leave campus, albeit with modified hours of operation. The Writing Center and the Center for University Advising have agreed to offer services digitally via Zoom, and The Hofstra Chronicle will continue to accept pitches and publish pieces online.
Nassau County
On Monday, March 9, following New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s state of emergency declaration, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran issued a statement condemning price gouging by businesses during the crisis. Congresswoman Kathleen Rice, the representative for the state’s fourth congressional district, which includes the Town of Hempstead, also condemned such actions.
The county’s first pandemic-related emergency order was issued on Friday, March 13. It effectively banned indoor recreational facilities and senior centers, ordered the closure of the county’s Traffic and Parking Violations Agency and halted eviction proceedings. Issued just two days later, Local Emergency Order No. 2 mandated the closure of both public and private grade schools, with the exception of schools approved for operation for people with developmental disabilities.
On Friday, March 20, Curran announced an update on the COVID-19 situation, where she noted the number of new cases of the virus in the county. She emphasized that essential services including grocery stores, counseling services and transportation for reliant senior citizens would still continue.
So far, 24 museums across the county, the Nassau County Aquatic Center, two skating rinks and countless other facilities have been closed until further notice. Cuomo’s state order also required the immediate closure of all gymnasiums, movie theaters and casinos. Bars and restaurants may offer takeout and delivery options and gatherings must be limited to no more than 50 individuals.
The Nassau County Department of Consumer Affairs, Office of Housing and Office of Hispanic Affairs will remain closed, while the Department of Public Works’ permit office and the Office of the Treasurer will open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., respectively. The county has also initiated a text service. Those who would like to receive updates regarding the COVID-19 outbreak in Nassau County can text “COVID19NC” to 888777.
As of 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, Nassau County reports that a total of 13,346 people in the county have tested positive for COVID-19. Over 1,500 people are currently hospitalized due to the novel coronavirus, 512 of whom are in intensive care. The county also reports 149 COVID-19 related deaths. A map released by the county on Thursday, April 2, shows that Hempstead has the highest number of cases with 345.
New York
On Sunday, March 22, Governor Cuomo ordered the construction of makeshift hospitals in the state, similar to those that were built in the Hubei province in China. A confirmed COVID-19 vaccine has not yet been successfully developed, though scientists in several countries, including the United States and Canada, are running trials.
United States
According to data from the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, COVID-19 has spread to all 50 U.S. states. As of Saturday, April 4, 311,544 people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus and at least 8,488 people have died. New York is one of the most affected states, as are New Jersey, Michigan, California, Louisiana and most states in New England.
Experts note that the required length of social isolation depends on how quickly the United States will attain its peak number of cases. This, however, is nearly impossible to predict given the lack of testing in the country. As for now, experts agree that maintaining social distance and frequent hand washing are imperative to flattening the curve.
Europe
In Europe, Spain has the most confirmed cases with over 126,000, followed by Italy with over 124,000 , Germany with over 96,000 and France with over 90,000. Eastern Europe has seen comparatively far fewer cases.
Asia
In Asia, China has seen close to 83,000 confirmed cases, particularly near the epicenter of Wuhan. South Korea has over 10,000 cases and Japan has over 3,000. Iran has 55,743 confirmed cases and 3,452 deaths making it one of the pandemic’s worst-affected countries. The country’s capital city of Tehran and the surrounding provinces have been particularly affected.
World
Countries like Iran, India and Chile are grappling both with this health crisis and with some of the worst political unrest they have seen in years. In many parts of Kashmir, for instance, internet services are still blocked, preventing many from accessing important information regarding social distancing in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.
