Good Evening Highland Terrace,
This is a special email that has been provided by one of our very own board members who has been up to date on all of the COVID-19 information and to several of the Corona Virus/COVID-19 Town Halls. She is also on the front lines helping protect others as a nurse. We are very lucky to have her on our board and to provide such great insight to us in these trying times. A BIG THANK YOU to Cherie Dunn for providing this to all of our neighborhood.
Hi Neighbors,
In these times of such uncertainty I want to help our community stay strong and healthy in every way possible. Now is the calm before the storm of this pandemic. Information and clear headed preparation will get us through this thing as times will get tougher in the days and weeks ahead.
Some Considerations:
Be extra careful with emails there has been a crop of new phishing emails related to COVID-19. Always be cautious when opening emails do not click suspicious links, it is best to go directly to a site rather than clicking links.
Consider donating to local food banks, the panic buying has hurt their supply.
Check in with your at risk neighbors (keeping a distance of at least 6 ft) Many neighbors have created cards or letters to put on their doorstep offering to help with store runs and other tasks that would help them stay home and limit contact
Check your insurance providers website: many provide telemedicine services that can be accessed by video chat or phone
There is a worldwide shortage of PPE (Personal Protection Equipment.) It is strongly encouraged that people not go to the hospital with mild symptoms… this ultimately protects our emergency and critical care teams who are our nation’s greatest asset (besides our grocery workers who are also running out of PPE.)
Early symptoms are often just a sore throat followed by a fever and dry cough a few days later. You are most contagious during this sore throat period. It is both mountain cedar and grass season many of us have perpetual sore throats from the drainage. When in doubt wear a plain surgical mask when you leave your house to protect those around you.
While we are talking masks and gloves I have a few notes from things I have seen in the community
Simple surgical masks do not provide protection for you from viruses spread through droplets so continue to stay 6 ft away even if you are wearing a mask
Neither masks or gloves are reusable and can even be a source of contamination if reused.
CDC Checklist for Individuals and Families
As a family, you can plan and make decisions now that will protect you and your family during a COVID-19 outbreak. 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. Use this checklist to help you take steps to plan and protect the health of you and your family. PLAN AND PREPARE
Get up-to-date information about local COVID-19 activity from public health officials
Create a household plan of action.
•Consider members of the household that may be at greater risk such as older adults and people with severe chronic illnesses. •Ask your neighbors what their plan includes.
•Create a list of local organizations you and your household can contact in case you need access to information, healthcare services, support, and resources.
•Create an emergency contact list including family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, healthcare providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources.
•Choose a room in your house that can be used to separate sick household members from others. Take everyday preventive actions:
•Wash your hands frequently
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
•Stay home when you are sick.
•Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
•Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces TAKE ACTION
In case of an outbreak in your community, protect yourself and others:
•Stay home and speak to your healthcare provider if you develop fever, cough, or shortness of breath- Consider using the telemedicine option available with most insurance plan •If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs*:
â—¦Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
â—¦Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
â—¦New confusion or inability to arouse
â—¦Bluish lips or face
â—¦*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptom that is severe or concerning.
•Limit close contact with others as much as possible (about 6 feet) Put your household plan into action
•Continue to practice everyday preventive actions
•If someone in the household is sick, separate them into the prepared room
•If caring for a household member, follow recommended precautions and monitor your own health
•Keep surfaces disinfected
•Avoid sharing personal items
•If you become sick, stay in contact with others by phone or email
•Stay informed about the local outbreak situation
•Notify your work if your schedule needs to change
•Take care of the emotional health of your household members, including yourself Take additional precautions for those at highest risk, particularly older adults and those who have severe underlying health conditions.
•Consider staying at home and away from crowds if you or a family member are an older adult or have underlying health issues
•Make sure you have access to several weeks of medications and supplies in case you need to stay home
•When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick and limit close contact with others
•Practice good hand hygiene
HTNA Board wanted to share this information with our neighborhood and community. A big thank you to Cherie Dunn for putting this all together. Also as of now all future HTNA events are postponed until further notice. Please reach out to us via our website: www.htna.org/contact if you need any help during this time we are here for you.
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