March 24 Dean’s Daily COVID-19 Update

Message from the Dean

To: WCM Community

Subject: March 24 Dean’s Daily COVID-19 Update

We are now in the acute phase of a surge in COVID-19 patients in New York.  New York City has been declared an epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, and there is much uncertainty surrounding the course it will take.  We all need to do our part to try to flatten the curve by practicing strict social distancing, avoiding social gatherings, and continuing to wash our hands.

In the last few weeks, faculty, staff, and students have been called upon to implement major changes at Weill Cornell Medicine.  You’ve had to provide the infrastructure for remotely held classes and switch to virtual instruction in an incredibly short timeframe.  You’ve had to suspend non-essential research activities, in some cases pausing studies that have been developing over the course of careers.  You’ve had to postpone non-urgent clinical services, while still maintaining your commitment to patients in need.  And you’ve had to move administrative and business operations to a remote work environment in less than a week, without missing a beat.  You have done all of this with expediency, professionalism, and excellence.  THANK YOU.

I want you to know that we recognize your dedication and all that you have done thus far.  Thank you so much.  We are safer and better prepared, because of you.

At the end of my updates for the rest of the week, I will be including wellness resources that have been developed by the staff in the Integrative Health and Wellbeing Program at Weill Cornell Medicine, in partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian.  Please take a look at them, as they will offer invaluable tips for maintaining physical health, healthy eating, emotional health, and mindfulness while social distancing.  At this time, it’s so important for you to take care of yourself and to find ways to relax and decompress.

We also have a centralized taskforce that is focusing on increasing wellness and support services, in coordination with NewYork-Presbyterian.  Information regarding increased transportation options for WCM staff is included below, and we will share updates related to temporary staff housing, counseling services, quiet areas, and other wellness resources as soon as they become available.

Please continue to check WCM Central regularly and to direct questions for me to answer during my weekly video message here.  Thank you again for everything you do for Weill Cornell Medicine.

Sincerely,

Augustine M.K. Choi, M.D.

Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean
Weill Cornell Medicine
Provost for Medical Affairs
Cornell University

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Global Situation

• Worldwide. As of March 23, more than 372,000 cases were reported globally in 169 countries and regions. The UK significantly tightened its restrictions on public activity in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus.  The surge of cases in China and Korea continues to abate, as these countries successfully flatten the curve.  The uptick in travelers to China and Korea who are COVID-19 positive and arriving from Europe and elsewhere needs to be monitored.

• United States. Six more governors announced measures restricting residents’ movements as COVID-19 spreads throughout the country. The number of cases in the U.S. surpassed 42,800 on March 23.

• Tri-State area. New Jersey launched on online portal with COVID-19-related information.

• New York. New York State has more than 20,800 confirmed cases of COVID-19, as of March 22.  New York City has reported more than 12,000 cases. 

WCM Updates

• Meals Program.  The Dean’s Office has launched a meals program to provide boxed lunches and dinners for faculty working in the hospital.  We thank the staff of the Griffis Faculty Club who are facilitating this effort.

• Discounted Emergency Parking. WCM has a limited number of parking spots available in the Weill Greenberg Center Garage (1305 York Avenue between E. 69th and E. 70th Streets) and Lasdon House Garage (430 E. 70th Street between 1st and York Avenues).  The cost for utilizing the emergency parking spaces will be $10/day for up to 24 hours, available on a first-come, first-served basis with a WCM ID.  Employees may seek reimbursement from their departments, at the department’s discretion. Please contact your supervisor or administrator to find out if this is possible.  

• Commuter Busing
• NYP has deployed new, no-cost busing options that may be used by WCM employees who show their WCM ID.  Buses will operate at 50% capacity to accommodate social distancing, will be cleaned after each trip, and will have sanitizing wipes on board.  Schedules to the below locations are available on WCM Central:

• NYP Allen
• NYP Brooklyn Methodist 
• NYP/Columbia
• NYP Lawrence
• NYP Lower Manhattan
• NYP Morgan Stanley
• NYP Queens 
• NYP/Weill Cornell

• NYP Intercampus Shuttles will continue to operate on normal schedules.  NYP has also added a campus shuttle between NYP/Weill Cornell and the NYP Westchester Behavioral Health Center, which will complete five daily roundtrips. Please refer to the schedule available on WCM Central. 

• Diversity Week. After significant deliberation and consideration, the Executive Committee on Diversity & Inclusion has decided to cancel this year’s Diversity Week events at the end of April.  More than 38 activities, including departmental diversity grand rounds, seminars, externally invited keynote speakers, awards and receptions, and a Dean’s Diversity Town Hall meeting, had been planned.  We look forward to next year’s celebration in 2021.

How to Support Your Physical Health

The staff of the Integrative Health and Wellbeing Program at Weill Cornell Medicine, in partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian, has developed the below tips, including some websites you may find helpful.  There are many organizations offering free guidance, and I encourage you to look for others that you may also find useful.

• Take time to reset. Relaxation techniques (link to free guided meditations, yoga videos) such as meditation, deep breathing, listening to music or nature sounds can activate the body’s relaxation response. Even a few minutes of these activities can make a big difference and can be practiced anywhere.

• Eat a healthy diet. Start your day right with breakfast, and keep your energy up and your mind clear with balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day. Healthy snacks such as nuts, fresh and dried fruits, whole grain crackers, and nut butters are preferred over sugary processed foods.

• Stay Hydrated: Seems simple but we often overlook it. Aim to drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Avoid caffeinated or sugary beverages that can actually dehydrate you.

• Get enough sleep. Aim for somewhere between 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Develop a relaxing bedtime ritual (listen to calming music, watch a funny show, or read something light) and make your bedroom as quiet, dark, and soothing as possible. Limit intake of caffeine and energy drinks. Great music to fall asleep to!

• Exercise: A great way to destress. Anything from a simple stretch at the desk, quick yoga routine or a run in the park can be very therapeutic. Since most gyms are closed, here is a list of free home exercise resources.

Yoga:

• Integrative Health: 15-minute series for all levels
• Yoga with Adrienne: 20-45 minute videos for all levels
• Alo Yoga: for more intermediate and advanced practitioners, free for 2 weeks

Pilates:

• Blogilates: combination of 15-20 minute targeted workouts
• Psychetruth: 30-day Pilates or yoga challenge with extensive videos
• Pilates Anytime: access to over 3,000 Pilates classes with free 15-day trial

Cardio

• Popsugar fitness: combination of Zumba, dance, cardio, no equipment
• Fitness Blender: free cardio, strength and stretch workout videos
• Tone It Up: daily online workouts with a free 7-day trial
• Beachbody: online classes with a free 14-day trial
• ObéFitness: live fitness classes with a free 30-day trial (code: ATHOME)
• CrossFit: free at-home workout videos, including single exercises and drills