Dear readers,

As the last few weeks have unfolded, the effects of the global coronavirus pandemic have reached every member of society in some way, to varying degrees. At Yale and beyond, some populations are especially impacted — including FGLI students, international students, students from unstable homes, immunocompromised community members, in addition to populations that are undocumented or experiencing homelessness.

This is a time of uncertainty and anxiety for many, and we hope that the Yale Daily News can shed light on important changes, announcements and news that affect Yale and New Haven, as well as what our community is experiencing during this unpredictable time. 

In response to the pandemic, Yale announced on Saturday that classes will take place online for the rest of the semester, and students must remain off campus during that time. Given that our staff and much of our readership will be away from campus, the News will not resume its print operations until we return. Still, with much remaining unknown, the need for journalism is more important than ever. The News will continue as an online-only publication for the coming weeks, reporting remotely, updating our website and social media platforms daily and sending out a regular email newsletter.

This is not the first time the News has paused its regular print operations since its founding in 1878. The paper suspended printing for three months in October 1918, when the bulk of its editors were otherwise occupied on the front lines of battle in World War I. And during World War II, the paper ceased publication for a span of three years, when our building at 202 York St. was converted into a headquarters for the Navy and the Marines. The last issue of the war was printed on May 8, 1943, and the paper came back to life on Sept. 12, 1946 — with an empty bank account, no paper and a mixture of editors across class years. Still, the paper successfully resurrected itself and eventually flourished, bringing us to where we are today.

Despite estimates and models, as the coronavirus story quickly evolves, it’s impossible to know the ultimate implications of this global pandemic. The News will strive to provide coverage that not only keeps the Yale community informed, but tied together, during this time apart.

Sincerely, 

Sammy Westfall, Editor in Chief
Serena Cho, Managing Editor
Asha Prihar, Managing Editor