The global response to the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been swift and drastic, with most universities and other public spaces closing temporarily in an effort to "flatten the curve" of new infections. For information on Duke University's response, check https://coronavirus.duke.edu/; the Law School information page can be found at https://law.duke.edu/about/coronavirus-response.
Experts agree that "social distancing," which encourages people to self-isolate as much as possible at home, is key to preventing further transmission. While schools transition to online learning and many workers shift to remote employment, that leaves the question of how to spend free time in an age when most restaurants and non-essential services are shuttered for the foreseeable future. Here are some resources to brighten your time at home.
Experts agree that "social distancing," which encourages people to self-isolate as much as possible at home, is key to preventing further transmission. While schools transition to online learning and many workers shift to remote employment, that leaves the question of how to spend free time in an age when most restaurants and non-essential services are shuttered for the foreseeable future. Here are some resources to brighten your time at home.
- Read a good book: Current members of the Duke University community can access thousands of e-books via the Duke Libraries Catalog eBook search. Additional titles are available via NC Live, the statewide library cooperative. Not sure what to read next? Take advantage of recommendations from the database NoveList.
- Stream some online entertainment: Subscription streaming services like Netflix and Hulu are likely to see lots of traffic during this time. Don't forget the numerous video databases available to the Duke community, including Kanopy and Alexander Street Online. Both services offer feature films and documentaries.
- Learn a new language: We've previously written about resources at Duke for learning a new language. Mango Languages and Transparent Language Online remain available for the Duke community to learn dozens of languages.
- Tour a virtual museum: Although many museums have closed their doors, more than 500 offer virtual tours on Google's Arts & Culture site. Included here are the collections of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Museo Frida Kahlo in Mexico, among many others.
- Take in a show: Broadway has gone dark and so have most concert halls, but New Yorker music critic Alex Ross has compiled links to free online performances by symphonies and other groups in the coming days.