A Message from Our Chief Medical Officer: Novel Coronavirus Update

Dear New York Tech Students, Faculty, and Staff:

As of March 4, 2022, approximately 79 million cases of COVID-19 and 952,223 cumulative total deaths have been reported in the United States by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) since the start of the pandemic. Over the past seven-day period, the state reporting the highest number of cases per 100,000 people is West Virginia (269.8); Maryland reported the least (59.9). In comparison, the number of cases per 100,000 people in New York State decreased to 77.2 from 113.4 one week ago; New York City cases decreased to 56.1 from 84.2; and Arkansas cases decreased to 132.8 from 222.3.

Locally, Long Island’s seven-day average COVID-19 testing positivity rate is now 1.8 percent (vs. 2 percent a week ago), compared with 1.1 percent for all boroughs of New York City (vs. 1.3 percent one week ago). That these percentages continue to decrease is evidence that transmission continues to wane. In New York State, new hospitalizations decreased from 1.37 per 100,000 on February 23 to 1.06 on March 2.

The surveillance continuum for the coronavirus usually starts with increased transmission—demonstrated by increased cases, followed by increased hospitalizations, and finally, increased mortality rate (rate of death). In the most recent seven-day period, Missouri is the state with the highest mortality rate, at 11.4 deaths per 100,000 people, while Alabama still has the lowest, at 0.1. In comparison, Arkansas is at 9 and New York State is at 1.2. Nationally, mortality rates are expected to decrease over the next four weeks, likely the result of decreasing transmission rates.

As noted last week, the CDC has updated its mask-wearing guidelines and developed a new method to assess local county COVID transmission, accompanied by community mitigation guidance. The CDC’s new “COVID-19 Community Levels” help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest local data. These levels (low, medium, or high) are determined by the number of hospital beds in use, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area.

According to these new metrics, all New York City counties as well as Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties are at a “low” community level. The accompanying CDC recommendation for this level is that everyone remains up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines and be tested if exhibiting symptoms. There is no mask mandate, but people may choose to wear a mask at any time. Those who have symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should always wear a mask. The CDC has a web page where you can find community levels for any county in the U.S.

“Low” community levels are consistent with our New York Tech experience. As of today, we have no reported individuals in our entire community of students, faculty, and staff in isolation for COVID. This has not occurred since the beginning of the pandemic. Therefore, given this low level of transmission and new national guidance, New York Tech has followed recent New York State and local jurisdictional school recommendations and no longer requires masks indoors on campus. Those who have ongoing serious concerns of COVID transmission are encouraged to wear N-95 masks to assure the protection of themselves and others.

Meanwhile, the vaccine effort continues, with more than 554 million doses administered in the United States. As of March 3, 76.4 percent of the population has received at least one dose, 65 percent is now fully vaccinated, and 43.9 percent has received an additional booster. In New York State, the CDC reports that 89 percent of the total population has received at least one dose, and 75.6 percent are fully vaccinated.

All recent data supports the fact that these are the most optimistic times in the U.S regarding COVID since the start of the pandemic! However, there are still hotspots of transmission globally that must be monitored closely for the development of new variants. The White House has acknowledged this issue, and a newly developed COVID preparedness plan highlights global vaccination and preparation for new variants.

As we all strive to return to normalcy, we should not forget the lessons of the past. More frequent handwashing, remaining at home and avoiding large crowds when ill, testing for COVID, and isolating as appropriate are all prudent actions that we should incorporate into our daily lives to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other communicable microbes.

As a reminder, proof of vaccination is still required for all members of the New York Tech community. Please find more information about our vaccination and testing policies and how to upload proof of vaccination here. If you have not done so, please upload your proof of vaccination and booster so that we have a record for our database and health screen! As always, those who may feel anxious or uneasy can reach out to Counseling and Wellness Services at our campuses in Long Island (516.686.7683) or New York City (212.261.1773) to talk or make a virtual appointment. Our medical students should reach out to NYITCOM’s Counseling and Wellness in Long Island (516.686.7636) or Arkansas (870.680.8839).

Sincerely,

Brian L. Harper, M.D., M.P.H.
Chief Medical Officer, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine