March 2020
COVID-19
Information and Safety
We're back again this month for more tips on healthy living! This topic is relevant to everyone at this moment: COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. It is important to stay safe and follow proper guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

  • The coronavirus is not just your typical flu, so it is important to know what to look for.
  • Proper hygiene and social distancing can go a long way in preventing the coronavirus.
  • It is important to stay calm and plan ahead during the next few weeks.
COVID-19 Basics
What Is COVID-19?
  • It is a new illness spreading around the world.
  • Its nickname is coronavirus.

How Do You Get It?
  • Someone with COVID-19 gives you their germs.
  • When they cough or sneeze, their germs get in the air, on you, and on things.
  • Germs get into your body through your mouth, nose, and your eyes.

What Happens If You Have It?

How Sick Do You Get?
  • Most people do not get very sick. It is like having a cold or the flu.
  • Some older people and people with disabilities may get really sick. They may end up in a hospital.

I Have Symptoms, Do I Have Coronavirus?
  • Not necesarily. If these things happen to you, it does not mean you have coronavirus.
  • Lots of people get a fever or cough. You could just have a cold or the flu.

If I Am Sick, When Should I Call a Doctor?
  • Call if you have been out of the country.
  • Call if you have been with someone who has the virus.
  • Call if you have been at a place where people with COVID-19 got medical treatment.
  • Follow these guidelines.

*Call your doctor first, do not just go straight to the office!
Check below for more specifics on actions to take based on your health status.
Hygiene & Health
Wash Your Hands
  • Use lots of soap and water.
  • Wash for at least 20-30 seconds. If it helps, count to out loud.
  • Wash after using the bathroom or being in public (like going to a store).
  • If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer. Know that washing well with soap and water is still better.
Try using lyrics from 20-30 seconds of your favorite song during hand washing! Try some of these from Spotify's "Wash Your Hands" Playlist.

Practice Proper Sneeze Etiquette
  • Coughing and sneezing into your elbow stops germs from going into the air and onto your hands.
  • This is very important to stop viruses from spreading.

Try Not To Touch Your Face
  • Do not rub your eyes.
  • Do not touch your mouth.
  • Do not touch your nose.
  • Remember, this is how germs get in your body.
  • If you have to touch your face, do it with a tissue or in the shower.

Try To Keep Your Hands Busy
  • Tap your knee.
  • Click a pen.
  • Use a fidget spinner.
  • Use hand sanitizer.
  • Doodle.
  • Squeezing a stress ball.
  • Play a game on your device.

Keep this song by Jimmy Fallon in mind to remember the two most important rules: wash your hands and do NOT touch your face!
Is There Medicine For The Coronavirus?
  • There is no shot or vaccine to stop COVID-19.
  • There is no medicine for COVID-19.
  • Take medicine used when you have a cold or flu.
  • Drink lots of water and get plenty of rest.

If My Staff Person Is Sick, What Should I Do
  • Doctors say if you are sick stay home. Do not got to work. A sick staff person should stay home until they are well.
  • Tell your team and your case manager.

What Do I Do If Someone I Live With Is Sick?
  • Someone else living in your home could get coronavirus or think they have these germs in their body.
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from the sick person.
  • Do not touch surfaces or food that the sick person has touched.
  • Keep washing your hands well.
  • Call your case manager. There may be someplace else you can stay for a few days.
Other Concerns
Why Is It Important To Do All Of This?
  • You don’t want your grandparents to get sick, do you?
  • Some people with disabilities get sick really easily. You would feel awful if you got your friends or family sick.

What Do Do If I'm Scared or Nervous?
  • Talk to someone you trust.
  • You can show them resources like this for ideas on what to do.

What About Work?
  • If you are sick, you need to stay home.
  • Health comes before money.
  • Tell your boss you do not feel well.
  • If you are worried about money, talk to your family, friends or team.

Make A Plan If You Can't Go Out
  • Who can go food shopping for you?
  • Who will call to check in on you?
  • What to do if your staff calls in sick?
  • Make sure you know your doctor's phone number.

*If you have been near a person with Coronavirus, you may be asked to stay home. A person can have coronavirus in their body and not feel sick. It takes a few days to get sick. This virus spreads very easily. You don’t want to give it to others.
Let's Stay Healthy!

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This is one of many emails that The Arc of New Jersey is distributing in an effort to help individuals with I/DD, their families, and staff to be safe and healthy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To see other emails that The Arc of New Jersey has distributed on this topic, please go to    https://www.arcnj.org/information/covid-19-updates-information.html  
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