Notice

Updated: March 19, 2020 at 4:30pm EST

Dear NYFA South Beach Community,

Although classes at the NYFA SOBE 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). Also, the State of Florida has set up a 24-hour hotline that is dedicated to answer your questions or concerns. The number is 1-866-779-6121. The call center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week along with a dedicated COVID-19 website which has also been set-up.

Visit the NYFA Student HUB for the latest NYFA Health Alert Updates.

City of Miami and Miami Area Updates:

• Earlier today, the Mayor of Miami Dade declared a state of emergency. All public places including parks, beaches, amusement areas, recreational and public facilities will be closed. This comes after announcing yesterday the closure of all restaurants, bars, taverns, clubs, nightclubs, banquet halls, cabarets, breweries, cafeterias, and any alcohol and food service with seating for more than eight people
• All film permits have been rescinded and suspended in Miami Beach and all of Miami Dade county.
• There are no food shortages, grocery stores remain open.

Social Distancing Reminders

• Avoid social gatherings in groups of 10 or more people
• Keep a distance of 6 feet between you and others

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 Sobecounseling@NYFA.edu
  • Counseling Services is offering online sessions via Zoom to students who would like support during this time.
• 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.
• 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.
• If you need assistance from any student support services, email the student service office and they can set up a time to do a Zoom meeting with you.

Access to NYFA Buildings

• Students will not be allowed on campus, until otherwise noted, unless you have made an appointment with a campus office.
• The campus will be closed starting March 24th unless special arrangements have been made through the chairs or Dean. Faculty are all working remotely, unless they have made other arrangements with their department chair.

Best regards,

Maylen Dominguez
Dean of NYFA SOBE