In the face of much uncertainty about how and when our community will be affected by the Coronavirus, I just wanted to share some preparation tips from the CDC. Its website has more complete information and links with more guidance here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/get-your-household-ready... *Before a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in your community: Plan* A COVID-19 outbreak could last for a long time in your community. Depending on the severity of the outbreak, public health officials may recommend community actions designed to help keep people healthy, reduce exposures to COVID-19, and slow the spread of the disease. Local public health officials may make recommendations appropriate to your local situation. Creating a household plan can help protect your health and the health of those you care about in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community. You should base the details of your household plan on the needs and daily routine of your household members. *Plan ways to care for those who might be at greater risk for serious complications. *There is limited information about who may be at risk for severe complications from COVID-19 illness. From the data that are available for COVID-19 patients, and from data for related coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, it is possible that older adults and persons who have underlying chronic medical conditions may be at risk for more serious complications. Early data suggest older people are more likely to have serious COVID-19 illness. If you or your household members are at increased risk for COVID-19 complications, please consult with your health care provider for more information about monitoring your health for symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. CDC will recommend actions to help keep people at high risk for complications healthy if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in your community. check icon *Get to know your neighbors.* Talk with your neighbors about emergency planning. If your neighborhood has a website or social media page, consider joining it to maintain access to neighbors, information, and resources. *Identify aid organizations in your community.* Create a list of local organizations that you and your household can contact in the event you need access to information, health care services, support, and resources. Consider including organizations that provide mental health or counseling services, food, and other supplies. *Create an emergency contact list.* Ensure your household has a current list of emergency contacts for family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, health care providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources. *Practice good personal health habits and plan for home-based actions* - Avoid close contact with people who are sick. - Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care. - Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. - Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water. - Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and 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. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty. *Choose a room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from those who are healthy.* Identify a separate bathroom for the sick person to use, if possible. Plan to clean these rooms, as needed, when someone is sick. *Be prepared if your child’s school or childcare facility is temporarily dismissed & learn about the emergency operations plan at your child’s school or childcare facility. **Plan for potential changes at your workplace & learn about your employer's emergency operations plan. * *During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community: Act* *Stay home from work, school, and all activities when you are sick* with COVID-19 symptoms, which may include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. *Stay informed about the local COVID-19 situation. *Be aware of temporary school dismissals in your area, as this may affect your household’s daily routine. *If your children are in the care of others, urge caregivers to watch for COVID-19 symptoms.* *Continue practicing everyday preventive actions*, such as covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue and washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. *If possible, sick household members should use a separate room and bathroom. *Avoid sharing personal items like food and drinks. *Stay in touch with others by phone or email. *If you live alone and become sick during a COVID-19 outbreak, you may need help. If you have a chronic medical condition and live alone, ask family, friends, and health care providers to check on you during an outbreak. Stay in touch with family and friends with chronic medical conditions. *Take care of the emotional health of your household members. *Outbreaks can be stressful for adults and children. Children respond differently to stressful situations than adults. Talkwith your children about the outbreak, try to stay calm, and reassure them that they are safe. *Take the following steps to help protect your children during an outbreak* - *If your child/children become sick with COVID-19s, notify their childcare facility or school.* Talk with teachers about classroom assignments and activities they can do from home to keep up with their schoolwork. - *Keep track of school dismissals in your community.* Read or watch local media sources that report school dismissals. If schools are dismissed temporarily, use alternative childcare arrangements, if needed. - *Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places while school is dismissed to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community.* -- Highland Park Community Council Visit our website by clicking here.