Covid-19

is the coronavirus infectious disease that first appeared in 2019.

It has become a global pandemic:

  • Some people get COVID-19 symptoms similar to the flu.
    • Some of these people are vulnerable to severe symptoms and complications.
    • Of those with severe symptoms, many recover with the proper care (if available).
  • Most people with the virus may not have any symptoms AND may not know they are infected with the virus.
  • When the virus spreads too quickly, people with severe COVID-19 may not get the care needed to survive.

It is critical to help slow the spread of the virus – because it will:

  • Help those with severe COVID-19 to get needed care → by not overwhelming health care resources.
  • Allow the time needed for:
    • More tests to become available and testing to be done
    • More personal protective equipment (PPE) to reach first responders, nurses, doctors other health care professionals helping others
    • Effective treatments (medicines, equipment…) to become available
    • A vaccine to be developed, tested, made available and received.
  • Save more lives.
  • Help with stress, adjustments, financial recoveries and other concerns.

Below are links for reliable information, guidelines, updates, resources and ways to help.

  1. Primary Links & Short Videos COVID-19

    U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

    World Health Organization (WHO)

    Travel Advisories – U.S. State Department

    Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU)
    COVID-19: Call First to Be Sure (1:06)

    If you think you may have COVID-19, here’s why it’s important to call first and avoid exposing others to the coronavirus
    COVID-19: Been Exposed (3:09)

    If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, here’s what you can do to take care of yourself and help lower the risk of spreading the virus.
    Social Distancing: How to Do It 7 Tips (2:23)

    Find out 7 things you can do while social distancing to keep busy, stay connected, and keep your sanity.
    What is coronavirus? (2:35)

    It's normal to have questions or to feel anxious about COVID-19. Watch this video to learn what it is, how it spreads, and what you can do to protect yourself and others.
    COVID-19: If you have it (3:00)

    Here’s what you can do to care for yourself at home and protect others if you are sick with COVID-19 or think you have the virus that causes COVID-19.
    5 Steps to Hand Washing (1:27)

    Protecting yourself and others from COVID-19 is in your hands. Here are the 5 simple steps to washing your hands.
    Social Distancing: What It Is and Why It's Important (1:19)

    Find out why social distancing is important for slowing the spread of COVID-19 and how to put it into practice.
  2. Other links – considering your address, work and family
    1. The Department of Public Health in your state
    2. Local city government
    3. Applicable schools – pre-school, k-12, college/trade, university
    4. Employer – for COVID-19 related work news – e.g., operations, events, travel, changes, links, etc.

  3. Wondering if I have COVID-19. Steps if feeling ill.
    1. CDC – Symptoms & testing
    2. CDC – If you are sick & steps when sick
    3. COVID-19 Screening Tool - from Apple & the CDC
    4. Consider telemedicine options – check with your health benefit plans to see if any of these or others are covered & applicable co-pays
      • MDLive, Teledoc & Doctor on Demand
      • Others - My Telemedicine, Amwell, Plushcare, ZocDoc, iCliniq, MeMD
  4. Prevention and Protection tips – Yourself, Family, Home, Pregnancy, Travel, Community, Scams…

  5. Stress, Anxiety, Fears, Shopping, Helping Self and Others
    1. CDC – Stress, Changes & Coping – self, parents, children, responders, people released from quarantine
    2. CDC – Taking Care of Your Emotional Health
    3. Other Resources
      • The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP) that may be offered by your workplace
      • Your faith and faith community
      • Your resources (phone, skype, facetime, mail, transportation for visits) that you can use to check-in with family, neighbors and friends who you care about
    4. Shopping
      • Shop the way you normally would.
      • Get what’s needed this week.
      • Avoid panic buying, stock-piling – remember others need food and supplies for the week too.
      • Kindness goes a long way – with store staff, fellow customers, waiting lines.
      • What does your local food pantry need that you can help with?
    5. Relationships – staying connected, good listening, questions and caring are important
      • Stay in touch and reach out through calls, messaging, pictures, letters & other ways
      • Some people may be really frightened
      • Some people may have lost their job and now have no income
      • Listening and caring can go a long way
      • Ask about concerns and what they are planning to do
      • Ask what kinds of things would be helpful
      • What can you offer that would help?
      • What can you laugh, share tears, celebrate or pray about together?
    6. Helping Others – generosity, food pantries, kindness, prayers
      • People going through tough times need practical help and hope
      • What are some ways to help others who are struggling?
      • Food & supplies needed
        • Local food pantries – where are they, hours, items needed, volunteers needed?
        • Shop for neighbors who are unable to do so
        • Share what you can of your own
        • Donate food, supplies &/or money to food pantries
        • Gift card options – for groceries, carry out food, etc.
      • Lost income, struggling with bills
        • Unemployment insurance – Is it available? Help needed applying for it?
        • Visit websites of/emails from bank, utility, others owed for guidelines & relief being provided
        • Any other support offered by community, state, federal government or other sources?
        • Can you use curbside/carryout/delivery options to support local restaurants and other small businesses?
        • Any other options for helping with bills?
      • Shelter needs
        • What options exist for the homeless?
        • What options exist for students and others who cannot go home?
        • Find websites of local community groups, school, and city government for support options.
    7. Strive for → wisdom, being calm, hopeful, thankful and optimistic
      • Being these ways can help with managing stress and keeping a strong immune system
      • What are you thankful for?
      • What gives you hope and encouragement?
      • Being these ways and knowing these things can also help others.