NEC remains an active and vibrant community. While the COVID-19 pandemic has brought changes to the way we teach, learn, and collaborate, we are a community that is committed to supporting each other, to celebrating great artistry, and to sharing in the power of music.
If you have questions or concerns not addressed here, please reach out to our Resource Center team at resource.center@necmusic.edu.
Tuesday, June 2
Today's briefing: In observance of Black Out Tuesday and #TheShowMustBePaused, NEC is postponing performances for today. Read President Kalyn's most recent statement here.
Additional resources for students, faculty and staff, alumni, are also available.
A historical list of recent campus announcements is available on the Announcements page
Novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing COVID-19, is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulates among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
It may also be possible to become infected with COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or possibly your eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing have been reported in people infected with COVID-19. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
Call your healthcare provider if you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you live in or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.
Your healthcare provider will work with your state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.
Contact your healthcare provider to determine if you are at risk and need to be tested.
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to viruses, including the coronavirus. Everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Proper handwashing technique is essential to prevent the spread of infection.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
It is not yet known whether weather and temperature impact the spread of COVID-19. Other viruses, like the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with these viruses during other months.
It is not currently known whether the spread of COVID-19 will decrease when weather becomes warmer. Investigations are ongoing to learn more about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with COVID-19.
There have been no self-reported cases of COVID-19 among the NEC student community. We fully expect that members of our community will be affected by the virus as the numbers of cases continue to rise in Massachusetts and across the nation, and as rapid test kits become more available to the public.
We stand ready to assist members of the NEC student community who have confirmed COVID-19 infection and who may be in need of assistance when isolated and convalescing. Please reach out to Leah McKinnon-Howe, Director of Health Services, at leah.mckinnon-howe@necmusic.edu if you have questions or require assistance. As always, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency facility if you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency and do not send email messages that require an urgent response.
Massachusetts, like other parts of the country, is experiencing a surge in the number of confirmed and suspected COVID-19 cases, with projections for sustained community transmission through April. Many of us will have personal experience with the virus, or knowledge of friends or family affected by it, in the weeks and months ahead. It is important to remain calm and stay informed about ways to reduce the spread of infection, and to continue to stay at home while taking steps to protect oneself and one's loved ones. The CDC recently recommended the use of cloth face coverings (placed over your mouth and nose) when it is necessary to leave home to help to reduce the spread of infection, especially in individuals who carry the virus but do not show symptoms of illness. The CDC continues to recommend that medical grade, surgical, or N-95 masks be reserved for use by front line health care workers. Detailed CDC guidance on how to make a cloth face covering, in addition to tips for approaching daily life and coping with stress is available.
The NEC Health & Counseling Center remains available to students for telehealth appointments, and to answer questions about COVID-19 symptoms, what to do if you suspect you may have COVID-19, or other issues concerning your health and wellness while away from campus. Please call 617-585-1284 for an appointment or to leave a message for a clinician.
In a message to graduating students, President Kalyn outlined plans for NEC to hold an in-person commencement ceremony in Jordan Hall in the Fall. The in-person option was overwhelmingly preferred by students responding to a recent survey. We will ensure all students are included, including those who may be unable to travel. Additionally, we are exploring opportunities for graduating students to perform with and for each other. More details will be shared in the coming days.
The Office of Student Services provides support for all aspects of living and learning at NEC, and continues to serve students in an online capacity. For more information, visit the Student Services web site.
Students with questions regarding online instruction are encouraged to review the FAQs on the Student Resources page.
Our Information Technology team stands ready to assist all with technology questions or concerns.
NEC has created a dedicated team for all who have questions and concerns related to the affects of COVID-19 on curriculum, teaching and learning, student life, and more. The team can be reached at resource.center@necmusic.edu.
While our campus is closed to all but essential staff, NEC's suspension of all institutionally-sponsored travel, both domestic and international, remains in effect until further notice. Members of the community with urgent travel needs should contact travel.safety@necmusic.edu.