How can I protect myself? 

STAY HOME WHENEVER POSSIBLE Cancel or postpone any non-essential gatherings with others. If you need to leave home, do not travel in groups. Avoid or limit your use of public transportation when possible.

SELF CARE There is no vaccine that protects people against the virus, which is thought to spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes and another person comes into contact with those respiratory droplets. To avoid that contact, wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, avoid others who are sick, stay home when you’re ill, cover your coughs and sneezes, and clean or disinfect surfaces often. You do NOT need to wear a facemask if you are not sick. Facemasks may be in short supply and should be saved for caregivers.
Source: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Public-Health-Preparedness/Main-Page/2019-Novel-Coronavirus#Protect

DISINFECT Here is the U.S. EPA's official list of effective antimicrobial disinfectant products, including common name brands.

GET THE FLU SHOT A flu shot limits someone’s chance of becoming ill with the flu or suffering a severe case, which means they are less likely to need hospitalization. U.S. Surgeon General Vice Admiral Jerome Adams says that frees up hospital beds that may be needed for coronavirus patients.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? 

• Fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher)
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

*Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

Emergency Warning Signs can include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• Confusion or an inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html

What are the differences between coronavirus and flu? While primary symptoms of both COVID-19 and flu include fever, dry cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath, and both are thought to be spread primarily through close contact with droplets expelled from the nose and mouth of a sick person, data from China shows people infected with coronavirus may infect more people than those with the flu infect on average. Research suggests this may be related to presymptomatic transmission of coronavirus - when people have been infected with the virus are not yet showing symptoms, but they are still contagious. Flu, by contrast, is most contagious three or four days after symptoms begin. Data also points to a higher percentage of severe versus mild/ moderate cases of coronavirus compared to flu, and a higher mortality rate for coronavirus. Presently there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.

Read more: https://www.wnpr.org/post/how-novel-coronavirus-and-flu-are-alike-and-different

What Does Social Distancing Mean?

As the name would suggest, social distancing is the practice of maintaining increased distance between people, and avoiding  direct contact with people and objects in public. This minimizes the risk of exposure and transmission, and it can slow the spread of coronavirus. Specifically, this means not gathering in groups of ten or more, avoiding unnecessary travel, and staying away from elderly people unless it's for critical assistance.

Source: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/03/17/817251610/its-time-to-get-serious-about-social-distancing-here-s-how

Is it safe to shop for groceries? New research shows that, because coronavirus can live on surfaces for hours or days, there is a risk with any kind of shopping. However, the risk can be managed. Here are several tips:

• Wash your hands before and after visiting the store
• Plan you shopping during off-peak hours
• Use sanitizer on shopping carts and baskets 
• Avoid touching your face, especially after touching something in the store

Additionally, for those over 60, many stores are offering additional morning hours exclusively for senior citizens. Contact your local store to find out if these special hours are provided in your area.

Can I run, hike, or bike outside? Outdoor exercise was not among the activities to avoid issued by the White House. Since coronavirus is believed to spread via close contact between people (about six feet), it is still important to maintain a healthy distance with others outside. Unless otherwise stated by local guidelines, though, outdoor exercise such as walking, running, hiking, or biking are allowed.

Source: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/03/20/819031274/coronavirus-faqs-can-i-go-running-is-food-shopping-too-risky-whats-herd-immunity

If I feel sick, what do I do? 

When should I contact a doctor? If you have symptoms and have been in close contact with someone sick with COVID-19, or have recently traveled to an area with an outbreak, call ahead to your doctor or health provider and stay isolated at home.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html

Where should I go? If you feel sick, do not leave your home unless it is to fill critical needs or to receive medical care. Even then, call your doctor or telehealth specialist first to ensure it's safe for you to leave home.

Example: Yale New Haven Health: https://www.ynhhs.org/patient-care/urgent-care/flu-or-coronavirus

Where can I get tested? Your primary care physician can refer you for a test. Contact your doctor first.

If you do not have a primary care physician, or can't contact them, use one of the following hotlines:

• Hartford Healthcare Hotline: (860) 972-8100
• Yale New Haven Health: (833) 484-1200
• Bristol Hospital Coronavirus Info Line: (860) 261-6855
• Stamford Health: (203) 276-4111

What does self quarantine mean? If you think you may have coronavirus, you should be prepared to self-quarantine in your home for up to two weeks. Here’s how you do that: https://www.wbur.org/commonhealth/2020/03/04/massachusetts-coronavirus-self-quarantine

Will insurance cover a coronavirus test? President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an emergency aid package that orders free coronavirus testing. People may still need to pay other related health care costs.

Access Health CT has announced a special enrollment period. Follow this link for details on how to enroll if you are uninsured.

Sources: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/world/coronavirus-news.html | https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/03/02/811314938/coronavirus-testing-what-to-know-as-it-becomes-available-across-the-u-s

What can I expect if I’m diagnosed?

What’s the best case scenario? The majority of infected people in countries with widespread outbreak have had mild to moderate illness similar to that of a bad cold or the flu. Most have recovered.

What’s the worst case scenario? People with underlying illness or diseases, older adults, and pregnant women are more at-risk of hospitalization, complications and death.
Source: CDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html

How do I talk to my kids about Coronavirus?

NPR education reporter Cory Turner asked some experts what kids might want to know about the coronavirus, and created this comic to help explain to kids (and to the rest of us, too) what we need to understand about the virus and how it is spread.
Source: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus

America's Test Kitchen has launched a series of cooking lessons with kids. Kitchen Classroom is providing recipes, activities, and quizzes each weekday, as well as a family project each weekend.
Visit Here: https://www.americastestkitchen.com/kids/activities/kitchen-classroom

Meet The Helpers has produced a series of short videos to help kids understand the coronavirus and how to stay safe, as well as tips for parents.

• What is The Coronavirus A doctor explains coronavirus for young children (3-8 years).
• Wash Your Hands Hand washing tips for young children (3-8 years)
• Coronavirus Do's & Don'ts for Parents Tips for parents to talk to young children about Coronavirus.
• Explaining Social Distancing to Children Explaining social distancing to young children (3-8 years).

"Meet the Helpers" videos are produced by WUCF and distributed by NETA Program Services vis PBS Source