To the Cardozo Community:
Updated Friday March 6, 2020 to report that the student in self-quarantine has tested negative.
As promised, I am writing to keep you updated on developments in our community with respect to COVID-19.
The Cardozo student who has self-quarantined has tested negative for the Corona Virus and does not have COVID-19. The student is symptom-free and has had no contact for 15 days with the lawyer who is hospitalized. I want to respect this person’s privacy but also to express my profound gratitude for this student’s spirit and grace during this very, very difficult time. We are proud of you and stand with you.
There are no known cases of the Coronavirus in the Cardozo community.
The Manhattan attorney who tested positive for the virus has improved and is in stable condition. Likewise, his son, the undergraduate YU student from the Washington Heights campus who tested positive, has also improved. The son’s roommate and another student, who were considered at risk because of very close proximity, have been tested and the results were negative.
In the past three days I have personally been in many lengthy meetings with the Yeshiva leadership and with the Director of Infectious Disease for the New York City Department of Health. The team is working diligently to coordinate details and to keep the safety and health of the University community at the forefront of every decision being made. In the coming days health officials will test everyone who they believe has had close contact and sustained exposure to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. During this process the Washington Heights and Beren campuses will remain partially closed with no classes in session. The current plan is to reopen those divisions of the University next Wednesday.
I have asked our facilities crew to continue disinfecting our classrooms and common spaces. I am impressed with their vigilance and professionalism. There are Purell dispensers and Clorox wipe dispensers throughout the building. Please let facilities workers know how much we appreciate their efforts. Please inform Dean Matt Levine of any concerns you have about the facilities as we work to keep the law school disinfected.
Lastly, I’d like to reiterate some basic health information that I’m sure you have all heard by now. According to the CDC, the virus is transmitted through droplets from coughing and sneezing. It is therefore highly unlikely that an asymptomatic person can spread the virus. It is also highly unlikely that the virus can be transmitted by casual contact such as passing someone in the hallway or touching surfaces. The best precaution is to regularly wash your hands with soap and water, to use hand sanitizer frequently, to avoid touching your face and to stay home and contact a doctor if you have symptoms of a fever, cough or sneezing.
As I walk through the building today, I continue to feel proud of this community. I see you supporting one another during a difficult time. Keep it up and we will get through this together.
With Warm Wishes,
Dean Melanie Leslie