The department publishes the first of many research publications during the pandemic, sharing early lessons from caring for pregnant patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the cases described in this publication in which many members of the clinical team were exposed to initially asymptomatic COVID-19+ patients, NewYork-Presbyterian makes the difficult decision to restrict access for Labor and Delivery visitors. Providers and staff work tirelessly to support laboring women and connect them with family via video, and the institution implements numerous other requirements designed to protect patients, staff, and providers.
March 23
NYP Labor and Delivery announces that it is no longer permitting visitors in light of the escalating COVID-19 crisis.
March 26
The US leads the world in confirmed cases.
March 27
Our team publishes the first of many studies from the department during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study, “Coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnancy: early lessons,” presented their experience with seven confirmed cases of COVID-19 in pregnancy at the CUIMC campus. Of the seven patients, five presented with symptoms, and the remaining two were asymptomatic on admission but became symptomatic after delivery, each requiring intensive care unit admission.
The CARES Act, a bipartisan $2 trillion stimulus bill, is signed into law.
March 28
The CDC issues a travel advisory for the New York tri-state area.
On May 2, 1986, my father took me out of school, packed my bag, and quietly put me on the train from Kiev to St. Petersburg. Three days later, as the news about Chernobyl became public, schools closed, children were evacuated, and no seats remained on any train, plane, or bus leaving town. My father, a civil ship designer, volunteered to be deployed to “the zone,” decontaminating thousands of cars departing Chernobyl. When I asked him why he did it, his answer was simple: “These cars were driving to Kiev. I had to do it for my family.”
My dad is now 82 and works as a fire safety director at the Chelsea Hotel. This changes on the day I cancel all my elective surgical cases. My part of that brief phone conversation is simple. “Today I’m the one in ‘the zone,’ and you are the one who needs to stay safe.” To my complete shock, he agrees to retire.
I’m inspired by my patients, who offer gratitude and support in return for my vulnerability and honesty. We cry together when we plan their birth experience alone, without their partner. I’m inspired by my colleagues, who remain compassionate, positive, and brave despite their fears.
Anna Burgansky, MD, Chief of the Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYP/Lawrence Hospital