Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
www.semafoundation.org
@semafoundation
ww.cdc.gov
Sema Foundation
COVID-19
PREPARED BY
SEMA FOUNDATION CORONAVIRUS RAPID RESPOND TEAM
X
ABOUT THE
CORONAVIRUS Dear Sema Foundation Community, The 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a new respiratory virus that is known to cause mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. The World Health Organization declared a global pandemic where more than 100 countries are affected by the disease. Currently, there is no treatment or vaccine, however scientists are working on vaccines nationally and internationally.As Sema Foundation directors and volunteers, we established a rapid response team to inform and help our community during the global pandemic of Covid-19. Although there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at our community, we would like to take precautions to avoid or slow down community spread of Covid-19. Effective immediately, we postponed many of our events to avoid crowded gatherings. We decided to have weekly meetings on online platforms instead of in person.
THIS IS CRUCIAL
The spread of COVID-19 may mandate us to change the way we interact; however, it does not change what we do. These precautions do not mean we will cancel all our activities. In example, we promote our volunteers to help community members in need. In our “know your neighbor” program, our volunteers reach out to their neighbors who are at a higher risk to be more severely affected by virus. They offer to go grocery shopping for them to decrease their exposure and help them to stay calm at their house.As the rapid response team, we suggest everyone to stay informed with the current situation. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus) and World Health Organization (www.who.int) provide valuable information with daily updates about the pandemic. In addition, Maricopa County Department of Public Health (www.maricopa.gov/coronavirus) and Governor’s Office are providing the most up to date information about the rapidly evolving situation.We will continue our efforts to help our community during these difficult times.
What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)? Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
How does COVID-19 spread? The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How does COVID-19 spread? Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever cough shortness of breath The symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and get Medical attention immediately if you have the symptoms.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
Take steps to protect yourself
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick. Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
ABOUT THE
WHAT IF YOU ARE SICK? Stay home except to get medical care Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home Call ahead before visiting your doctor Wear a facemask Cover your coughs and sneezes Avoid sharing personal household items Clean your hands often Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day Monitor your symptoms Discontinuing home isolation
IF YOU ARE SICK WITH COVID-19 OR SUSPECT YOU ARE INFECTED WITH THE VIRUS THAT CAUSES COVID-19, FOLLOW
THE STEPS TO HELP PREVENT THE DISEASE FROM SPREADING TO PEOPLE IN YOUR HOME AND COMMUNITY.
SHOPPING LIST
DON'T PANIC BUY ESSENTIALS FOR TWO WEEKS ONLY
TRUST IN THE FACT THAT IF YOU SOMEHOW RUN OUT OF TOILET PAPER, A FRIENDLY NEIGHBOR WOULD FIND A WAY TO SAFELY DELIVER YOU SOME.
Hand Sanitizers and Soup Board games and books Sprays and Disinfecting Wipes (Lysol, Clorox etc) Pasta, dry goods, beans, lentils Canned food: Tuna, tomatoes, coconut milk, vegetables Baby products: Diapers, food, wipes Tooth paste, toilet papers, napkins, and paper towels For kids: Nut butters, jellies, protein bars,oatmeal and popcorn For pets: Food and water Over the counter medicines, feminine products, prescriptions, pain relievers and cold & cough medicine.
AT HOME
FOR PARENTS Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared. Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for include Excessive crying or irritation in younger children Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting) Excessive worry or sadness Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens Poor school performance or avoiding school Difficulty with attention and concentration Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past Unexplained headaches or body pain Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs There are many things you can do to support your child Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand. Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you. Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand. Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities. Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.
MANAGE ANXIETY KEEP IT UP, BE & STRESS POSITIVE, Stress and Coping
STAY SAFE!
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger Things you can do to support yourself Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting. Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy. Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.