• Talk with the people who need to be included in your plan. Have a business meeting to discuss what to do if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in your community and what the needs of each person will be. Talk about what it might mean to include Support People in this conversation.

• 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 persons who have underlying chronic medical conditions may be at risk for more serious complications. If you or a community mate 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.

• 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. If you are in a locale with other JV/AmeriCorps communities or other service program communities, connect about what your plans might be and how you can collaborate.

• 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.

• Ensure your community has a current list of emergency contacts for each JV/AmeriCorps member. Also gather a list of individuals health care providers, service site phone numbers, the local public health department, and other community resources. You should have received an emergency contact list at Orientation for your community mates; if you need an updated version of this list, ask your PC. Think of who else you might need to include on this list.

• Practice everyday preventive actions now. Remind everyone in your household of the importance of practicing everyday preventive actions that can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:
• 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. If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent and water prior to disinfection.
• 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. Learn how to care for someone with COVID-19 at home below.