Dear Lehman Community Member:

I have just a few things to call out this afternoon.

• As the amount of testing and cases of COVID-19 continue to both rise, we are asking for any reports of positive COVID-19 test results through Wednesday, March 25th, which is 14 days from the beginning of the CUNY-wide's recess to transition to remote learning and instruction. After the 25th, we ask that members of the staff and faculty, who would have been the only people potentially on campus, who have symptoms associated with COVID-19, have been tested or are planning to be tested to report to us at the covid19.reporting@lehman.cuny.edu address.
• If you have COVID-19 symptoms and have not been tested, be advised that the overwhelmed health workers at hospitals and now areas like the newly opened Jacob Javits Center request that you receive telehealth screening by making an appointment by calling 311. The Lehman College-based drive-through site is operated through the New York State Coronavirus hotline and you should only call for an appointment if you are over the age of 50, immune-compromised and displaying symptoms, including a fever. The test is prioritized for the most vulnerable New Yorkers including the elderly, first responders and health care workers. Those in these categories should contact the New York State Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 to make an appointment.
• The good news continues to come in; in response to the Governor's request for help from science faculty and graduate students to ramp up testing, I received this from the School of Natural and Social Sciences dean, Pam Mills – "I sent an email to chairs of bench science departments, including physics, and EVERYONE said they would help if needed, that they could be taught to run instruments!!" What a great response!
• And I've received numerous emails from students, some relating the challenges they are facing having online access to their courses - which we are trying hard to help with, but also expressing gratitude and praise for their instructors who are doing amazing Zoom sessions and posting great videos. I'm sure there are many other ways that instructors are doing things they've never done before to keep the education going.

As always, the best source for up-to-date information about Lehman's response to COVID-19 developments is the coronavirus website, which we add to every day. Continue to send questions, comments and suggestions to covid19.taskforce@lehman.cuny.edu.

Take care, and stay safe by keeping your distance.

Daniel Lemons
President