COVID-19 Preparedness: April 28, 2020

by | Apr 28, 2020 | News

Upcoming Events

FEMA REGION II WEBINAR: The Importance of Planning and Best Practices for Houses of Worship

Wednesday, April 29th, 2020, 1 PM – 2:30 PM ET

  • Please join the Region II National Preparedness Division webinar for houses of worship and faith-based organizations with introductory remarks from the DHS Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives.
  • During this webinar speakers from the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness/Interfaith Advisory Council, New York Disaster Interfaith Services and New Jersey Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters will discuss the importance of emergency operations and continuity planning as well as resources each of the organizations provide to support Houses of Worship.
  • Best practices for performing essential functions and continuing their missions to serve congregants during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will be highlighted during the discussion by guest speakers from  African Methodist Episcopal Church and United Sikhs.

Registration: Register for the Best Practices for Houses of Worship Webinar. Make sure to test your Adobe Connect before the meeting.

This event will include live captioning.

General Resources

  • FEMA, HHS and our federal partners are working with state, local, tribal and territorial governments to execute a whole-of-America response to the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the health and safety of the American people.
  • USDA’s Federal Rural Resource Guide offers a matrix of technical assistance, training, financial assistance, and other resources available to each individuals, businesses, nonprofits, communities, and governments.
  • Individuals and organizations can learn How to Help in the effort to combat the spread of COVID-19. (FEMA)
  • Center for Disease Control Stop the Spread of Germs
  • Review current White House Guidelines for Opening Up America Again.

Resources for Faith-Based and Community Leaders

Faith-based and community leaders continue to be valuable sources of comfort and support for their members and communities during times of distress, including the growing presence of COVID-19 in different parts of the country.

Training

  • Online Courses: Browse online training related to COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and other organizations (Public Health Foundation)
  • Cloth Face Coverings: Lean how to wear and make a face covering to help slow the spread of COVID-19. (CDC)

Key Contacts and Local Help

Food and Nutrition

Homelessness Assistance

  • Homelessness Assistance Programs: HUD provides funding to States and local governments and nonprofit providers to serve individuals and families across the United States who are affected by homelessness. The Daily Resource Digest lists additional resources for homeless service providers.
  • Disease Risk and Homelessness: People experiencing homelessness often have a higher risk for exposure to communicable diseases and have little access to health care systems and treatment in their communities. The emergence of COVID-19 calls for enhanced cooperation and partnerships. (HUD)
  • Homelessness Resources: Information and support are available for homeless and meal service providers, as well as emergency and day shelters, on planning, preparing, and responding to COVID-19. (CDC)
  • The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness coordinates the federal response to homelessness, working in close partnership with senior leaders across our 19 federal member agencies, and has been active in COVID-19 response efforts.

The DHS Center does not endorse any non-government entities, organizations, or services. Claims made by third parties have not been independently verified.

 

Red Cross: Coronavirus Safety Tips for Everyone

 

 

SDPC Presents: SBA Payroll Protection Loans

Visit the SDPC Coronavirus Resource Center

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.

 

    
 
Families First Coronavirus Response Act Notice – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

AARP “Friendly Caller Program” to combat Social Isolation
https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/

 

Other COVID-19 Resources from AARP

English: www.aarp.org/coronavirus
Spanish: www.aarp.org/elcoronavirus

 

Red Cross Be Red Cross Ready

Red Cross Ready Prepare So You Can Protect


Steps to Help Protect Against Coronavirus COVID-19


About Coronavirus COVID-19
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a new Coronavirus (COVID-19) that was first detected in China and has now spread to multiple countries including the U.S.
• According to the CDC, patients with COVID-19 have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
• Call your healthcare professional if you develop symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have the disease, or if you have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of the disease.
• The following health and preparedness tips can help you stay healthy and prepare for possible disruptions due to this coronavirus. Most importantly, stay informed about the latest information by visiting the CDC website at cdc.gov/covid19.

To Help Prevent the Spread of Respiratory Illnesses, Use Healthy Practices:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (the time it would take you to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice) or, if soap is not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in the trash. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using facemasks, which is for people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of disease to others, and for health workers and caregivers in close settings.
• Practice healthy habits: get sleep, eat nutritious food, drink fluids, be physically active and manage stress.
• Influenza and pneumococcal disease are the leading causes of vaccine-preventable respiratory illness in the U.S., so protect yourself with an annual flu vaccine and if eligible, the pneumonia vaccine.

To Prepare your Household for a Possible COVID-19 Outbreak in the U.S., Use Preparedness Practices:
• Obtain at least a 2-week supply of food staples, household and sanitary products, if asked to stay home (a best practice to increase your preparedness for any hazard).
• Keep current prescription medications in regular supply, with at least a 30-day supply of needed health items.
• Learn how your local public health authorities will provide guidance to your community and stay informed.
• Learn how your children’s school or daycare, and your workplace plan to handle a possible outbreak. Create a plan to accommodate any closings, event cancellations or postponements.
• If you care for older adults or children, plan and prepare for caring for them, should they or you become sick.

Copyright © 2020 by the American National Red Cross

Red Cross Operation HOPE

For millions of individuals, families, and businesses, the
financial impact of COVID-19 will be extensive.


Click here to learn about financial emergency preparedness and recovery through Operation HOPE.