Dear Romance Studies Faculty, Graduate Students and Staff,

As the week starts to wind down, we are seeing more changes ahead. The NY on Pause status has been extended, and face masks will be required. More details included below.

NY on PAUSE Extended to May 15

Today Governor Cuomo extended the New York on PAUSE measures through at least May 15. The shut down and associated social distancing measures seem to be working to bring infection rates down. It’s very important that we continue to isolate and distance ourselves to ensure the rate continues to decline. The Governor has also enacted a second executive order related to face mask use. As of 8:00 PM tomorrow night, face masks will be mandatory for New York State residents when social distancing measures are not possible, such as while riding on public transportation or in private transportation services, such as taxis, ubers, etc… Facemasks do not replace the need for continued social distancing. More information regarding masks can be found at Cornell’s Coronavirus FAQ site. Ithaca’s Sew Green store is continuing to sell masks and mask kits, for those who need to get a mask.

Lansing Gas Station Employee Tests Positive

The Tompkins County Health Department has issued an alert for anybody who entered the Mirabito Gas Station store in Lansing on either Thursday, April 9 between 8:45 AM and 1:30 PM, or Friday, April 10 between 2:00 PM and 6:30 PM to both self-quarantine themselves and seek testing by registering for a test appointment at the Triphammer Road mobile testing site.

Tompkins County Residents Asked to Put Recycling in Bins

To increase protection for workers who collect recycling in Tompkins County, residents have been asked to place all recycling, including broken down cardboard boxes into recycling bins.

Removing Yourself From the Chaos and Remaining Calm

A social worker friend of mine shared a level headed article containing recommendations for how to best weather the storm of COVID-19 and all of the associated misinformation and less than helpful content that seems to be everywhere.

Stay well, stay home, and stay in touch,

Mary Beth