Feature: NYU Shanghai students, teachers stay put in fight against COVID-19

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, April 21, 2022
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SHANGHAI, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Nathalie Brzesowsky recently recorded her experience of taking a nucleic acid test on the Shanghai New York University (NYU Shanghai) campus.

"We are queuing for the test," she said to the camera while maintaining her social distance from the student in front of her. Guided by medics in hazmat suits, her queue progressed in an orderly manner.

NYU Shanghai is a China-U.S. joint university based in Shanghai's Pudong District. Together with her teachers and schoolmates, Brzesowsky entered a campus life different from her expectations.

A COVID-19 resurgence first hit Shanghai in March. The city has so far reported over 300,000 locally transmitted infections.

In response to Shanghai's epidemic prevention and control measures, NYU Shanghai has suspended face-to-face teaching in classes, with most students undergoing self-quarantine and taking online courses in their dormitories.

In the beginning, Brzesowsky found it difficult to adjust to the quarantine measures as she was no longer able to explore the city, and she couldn't meet with friends from different dorms. However, she has learned something new about Shanghai over the past few weeks.

"I have personally been impressed by people's kindness to each other," she said.

Many supportive chat groups were quickly set up by faculty members. Teachers and students have worked together and reached out to those in need. Brzesowsky herself has received groceries such as eggs and vegetables from her classmates.

"It feels like we're all together. Even though we're in our own separate rooms, no one is alone," she said.

Anxieties have arisen among students and teachers, but most are understanding of the importance of quarantine and frequent COVID-19 testing.

"I am very proud of how positive and resilient our community has been," said Jeffrey Lehman, vice chancellor of NYU Shanghai. He has been delighted to witness how students and teachers are ready to help people in the community.

To ensure the health and safety of students, the school is cooperating with local suppliers to provide students with food such as eggs, noodles and rice. It is also keeping students updated on the latest policies so that they are well informed. Lehman said he watches daily news reports to check on how things are developing.

During a video interview, he used technology to change the background of his apartment to his office, expressing the hope that everything would soon return to normal.

"We all eagerly look forward to the time when we can resume our normal Shanghai lives," he said. "Shanghai, jia you (you can do it)!" Enditem

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