Coronavirus (COVID-19) Info + Safety
This photo, shared by Doctors in Greece, illustrates how physical distancing save lives.
“Perfection is the enemy when it comes to emergency management,
we must act fast!”
(World Health Organization)
What is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus is part of a family of viruses (including MERS, SARS) that can cause anything from a common cold to upper respiratory infection. It is a new strain that had not been previously identified in humans, therefore our bodies haven’t developed immunity to it. It is zoonotic, which means it can be transmitted between humans and people.
Source: CDC
Who is at Risk?
Don’t assume you or your community won’t be infected—prepare as if you will be (WHO)
Elderly folks, Immunocompromised people, & those with underlying conditions are all at at an increased risk for severe complications from COVID-19. However, medical workers are also seeing extreme lung failure even in younger patients. Other vulnerable populations include migrants, people in dense prisons or ICE Detention centers (with no way to physically distance themselves & without proper medical care), people dealing with domestic violence or abusive situations, & many others who will feel negative affects from this pandemic whether or not they get sick from the virus. Which is why we all need to do everything within our capability to Flatten the Curve. We are not at a point where COVID-19 can be contained, it’s too late for that. But we can practice physical distancing along with other protective measures in order to slow the spread of the virus—keeping our Health care system from being overwhelmed, as you can see in the chart above.
How is it Transmitted?
COVID-19 is spread through person-to-person contact (usually within 6ft)
It is airborne, meaning it can be transmitted by breathing (imagine the dust you see floating in the air by a sunny windowsill). While some droplets will be heavy enough to fall onto surfaces, others will stay suspended in the air. This video with Infectious Disease Specialist Michael Osterholm is very in-depth!
These droplets can land on a person’s mouth or nose or be inhaled into the lungs, they can also land on surfaces (where they can live for several days depending on the surface) that one might touch and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.
How to prevent infection / infecting others
Physical distancing —this includes large gatherings as well as avoiding sharing air as much as possible, even person-to-person, all it takes is one sick person to pass it on to another, and many people are carriers who show no symptoms. Difficulties in getting tested and importance of self-isolating in the meantime
Wash your hands--for at least 20 seconds with soap and (preferably) warm water, especially when you have been in a public place or after coughing/sneezing
Soap/water are your best option, but if they are not available, use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol-based. If you can’t find hand sanitizer making your own is better than nothing.
Avoid touching face with unwashed hands
Clean & disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily (ie. counters, doorknobs, light switches, faucets, keyboard, desk, etc.)
How to clean phone, Disinfectants to use/practices, & Chemicals you should not mix
Source: USA Today
If you think you are sick
Stay home! And stay away from public places, most mild cases of COVID-19 can be recovered from at home
Call ahead, contact your doctor or emergency department for steps you should take to take care of yourself/receive care before just walking in to your doctor’s office/ER
Wear a face mask (but make sure you know how to do so properly first) —if you are sharing space with other people, need to go to a doctors office, or are caring for someone who may be infected. Masks can be a source of infection when not used properly. WHO —when & how to use a mask. There has been a huge shortage of protective equipment, so here is how to make your own with household items, How to sew a mask with pattern, and best materials to use for making a mask, this is better than nothing if you don’t have other options.
If you share space with other people, try to stay in a different room and use a separate bathroom, if available
Don’t share household items such as bedding, utensils, glasses etc.
Limit contact with pets or wash hands before & after interacting with them
There is evidence that taking anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen can make symptoms worse--take regular Tylenol (you can always check the back of the bottle and avoid anything with NSAIDS. Study here (supported by WHO).
Do not self medicate with drugs that have not been approved for COVID-19, only basic medications that are not anti-inflammatory such as Tylenol.
If you develop emergency symptoms including; difficulty breathing/shortness, persistent chest pain, bluish lips/face or any other concerning symptoms, seek emergency medical care ASAP!
Preventing the spread of Coronavirus in Homes and Residential Communities —
If you are caring for someone with a suspected case of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider for guidance immediately.
Follow these Recommended precautions for household members, intimate partners, and caregivers in a non-healthcare setting for patients with confirmed cases of COVID-19 and those who are symptomatic
What is Mutual Aid?
Mutual Aid Projects are a form of political participation in which people take responsibility for caring for one another and changing political conditions, not just through symbolic acts or putting pressure on representatives, but by actually building new social relations that are more survivable.
Solidarity Not Charity
Mutual Aid doesn’t mean you have to give in order to receive, and it can look many different ways . In the COVID-19 crisis, this could be staying home and physical distancing to keep other folks safe or video chatting someone who needs to talk about their fears and anxieties surrounding the situation. To the right is an image of Mutual Aid Hub, a map of mutual aid projects happening around the US. If you are in need of assistance or want to help, this might be a good place to start!
Taken from a UX Researcher who studies how people understand technology, content, and messaging
Resources
Local
Massachusetts Mutual Aid Networks (from Massachusetts Jobs with Justice)
Mutual Aid for MA Prisoners Gofundme
Worried about being evicted? Call CityLife/VidaUrbana Housing Hotline
(617) 934-5006 (English)
(617) 397-3773 (Español)Disaster loan assistance for small businesses, non profits, home owners, renters
Qualifications for getting tested for COVID-19 in MA
Fang Collective Shut Down ICE Campaign
National / International
COVID-19 Information
Coronavirus Q&A (World Health Organization)
General FAQ (World Health Organization)
Press Briefings (World Health Organization)
Coronavirus Fact Sheet in multiple languages
Aid
United Way Community Economic Relief Fund —Call 1-866-211-9966 & provide a zip code for list of local agencies
Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (includes freelancers, independent contractors, small business owners)
Mental Health
Useful Tools
How to Grocery Shop in Consideration of Others During Self-Quarantine
Tenant Protections Map of US
Open Source COVID-19 Medical Supplies: Our Intent, Needs, and Your Role (their mission is to provide transparent, accurate, medically-reviewed content that will help communities around the world develop open source medical supplies)
Harm Reduction / Guidance for people who use substances