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CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19: 
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
It seems impossible these days to go anywhere without hearing about the Coronavirus/COVID-19 that is sweeping not just our nation, but the entire world. If you’re not sure how to handle the news, panic, fear, quarantines, work and school cancellations, - you’re not alone. To help us all navigate these confusing times, we have gathered information from a variety of sources on how to cope with the uncertainty, how to ease some of that very real anxiety, and how to entertain children who may be home from school indefinitely.
For the most up to date information about COVID-19, please go to the CDC website by clicking here: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
About COVID-19
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. While the complete clinical picture with regard to COVID-19 is not fully known, reported illnesses have ranged from very mild (some with no reported symptoms at all) to severe, including illness resulting in death. According to current CDC studies, only 16% of COVID-19 cases result in illness and the immediate risk of becoming seriously ill for the virus is low, however older adults and people of any age with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, lung or heart disease or are otherwise immunocompromised are at greater risk of severe illness. COVID-19 has been classified as a pandemic, a global outbreak because there is little to no pre-existing immunity to the new virus.
Protecting Yourself Against the Coronavirus
Avoid close contact
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
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.
Clean your hands often
Wash your hands frequently 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.
Take steps to protect others
Stay home if you’re sick
Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you feel worse or you think it is an emergency.
Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
Cover coughs and sneezes
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
Throw used tissues in the trash.
Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a facemask if you are sick
If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Clean and disinfect
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.
Options include:
Diluting your household bleach.
To make a bleach solution, mix:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
OR - 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
Alcohol solutions.
Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.
Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.
Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogen claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).
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When a personal crisis meets public crisis - anxiety, depression and related challenges do not just double, they multiply at exponential rates.
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We need your help more than ever.
COVID-19
When a personal crisis meets public crisis – anxiety depression and related challenges are not just double, they are multiplied.
Amudim is working around the clock to ensure that anyone in need, receives that help immediately.
We need your help more than ever. Please donate today.
Articles on Managing Stress and Anxiety
Anxiety
How do I cope with my coronavirus anxiety?
What practices do therapists recommend?
What if I also have OCD or existing anxiety?
Isolation
Dos & Don’ts of ‘Social Distancing’
What is self-quarantine like?
I’m working from home—any tips?
Financial Fears
Cope with financial stress & anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic
Do I change how I
save and spend right now?
What if I can’t
work from home?
How to Talk to Your
Kids About Coronavirus
Looking for more easy, helpful tips on how to discuss the Coronavirus with your children?
Here are some links you may find useful
We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available.
If you or anyone you know needs help during these trying times, please email us at [email protected]
COVIBOOK
This short book to support and reassure our children, under the age of 7, regarding the COVID-19. This book is an invitation for families to discuss the full range of emotions arising from the current situation. – Manuela Molina
How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus
“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting and less scary.” – Deborah Farmer Kris, PBS
How You and Your Kids Can De-Stress During Coronavirus
“Research shows that just being in the presence of a compassionate, safe adult can help kids calm down. As families, we can be “that person” for each other.”- Deborah Farmer Kris, PBS
Helping Kids Navigate Scary News Stories
“Encourage your kids to share what they already know, let them ask questions, and then offer simple, age-appropriate, clarifying information. For my slightly older kids, we try to help them distinguish between truth and rumor.” – Eric Rasmussen, Ph.D.
Helping Children with Tragic Events in the News
“When children are scared and anxious, they might become more dependent, clingy, and afraid to go to bed at night. Whining, aggressive behavior, or toilet “accidents” may be their way of asking for more comfort from the important adults in their lives.” – Fred Rogers Productions, PBS
We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available.
If you or anyone you know needs help during these trying times, please email us at [email protected]
Activities your children can do by themselves
Do a Puzzle
The more pieces the better! Take on a Rubik’s Cube. More of a word person? Crossword puzzle!
ABC Hunt
Put letters in eggs and hide them, put them on post it notes and hide them around the house and have them match to an abc chart.
Prep time: Less than five minutes
Trace Letters and Numbers
Get paper and write some dashed letters, numbers, names
Prep time: 2 min
Write Letters to Relatives
Have your kids craft a letter to a grandparent or family member. It also helps them practice their penmanship, talk about a win-win.
Activities you can do with your children
Cook and Bake
Making smoothies, banana bread, prep for dinner…
Make a Fort
How many hours did you burn growing up building the perfect hideaway?
DIY “Space” Crayons
There’s just something about sparkly crayons in celestial shapes that makes coloring time extra exciting. Plus, you make them with the ends of old crayons that kids never want to color with, anyway!
DIY Jellyfish
Glow-in-the-Dark Jellyfish Craft
Websites with loads of activities
Creative STEM & Computer Science Activities
Kids need a device and access to the internet, some activities can be with only a phone.
Educational and Free
Scholastic Learn at Home Activities and Readings by Grade Level
Download info from the Scholastic website daily
Free and Educational created in response to covid-19
9 Great Montessori Activities For Toddlers at Home
Simple setups or making materials available for exploration
Medium parent involvement
Go Noodle
GoNoodle videos get kids moving to be their strongest, bravest, silliest, smartest, bestest selves. Over 14 million kids each month are dancing, stretching, running, jumping, deep breathing, and wiggling with GoNoodle.
Workbooks and Guidebooks
The 2020 Covid19 Family Guidebook:
Do it at home Coping skills and Activities
Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook
A Tool to Help You Build Resilience During Difficult Times
Helping Children
Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19
