Coping with COVID-19: Resource Guide + FAQs
Illustration by Maia Boayke
Words: Aarti Patel + Maria Teresa Alzuru
Some members of our health team put together these questions and resources on the Coronavirus pandemic.
How does COVID-19 spread?
• The virus can spread to people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) with an infected person when that person coughs or sneezes.
• The virus is spreading between people with no link to travel or to another positive case.
• Scientists disagree on how long COVID-19 lives on surfaces, but it can live on surfaces that people frequently touch. The virus can then be spread if someone touches their eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Public health officials are still learning about the virus that causes COVID-19, but it is believed that people who are experiencing symptoms (fever and cough) are most likely to transmit the virus to others.
• People may be asymptomatic carriers of the virus, meaning they may have no symptoms but are able to transmit the virus to others.
Who is most at risk for COVID-19?
• People who are at most risk for severe illness are people who are over 50 years old or who have other health conditions, including chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or a weakened immune system.
• People with regular close contact with someone who has or could have COVID-19 are also at higher risk. This includes people who live in the same home, caretakers who work in the home, or sexual partners.
Who should get tested for COVID-19?
• Testing should only be used for people who need to be hospitalized for severe illness like pneumonia. This protects health care workers and may affect treatment options.
• At this point, if you have symptoms, assume that you have COVID-19. A positive test will not change what a provider tells you to do to get better. The best course of action is to stay at home.
• If you are only mildly ill, you can save the life of someone else by staying home to ensure health care resources go to those who need them the most and to prevent the spread of infection to other people with a more weakened immune system.
• If you don’t feel better in 3-4 days, speak with your health care provider and let them know your symptoms. Try to call or text instead of going in person.
How can I protect myself and others from COVID-19?
• Avoid all unnecessary events, travel, or interactions. Stay at home as much as you can.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when sneezing or coughing. Do not use your hands.
• If you have family or friends who are older adults or have chronic health conditions, do not visit them if you feel sick.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Do not shake hands. Instead, wave or elbow bump.
• Monitor your health more closely than usual for cold or flu symptoms.
• Create more personal space between yourself and others. This is called social distancing.
How do I practice social (physical) distancing?
• Stay home as much as possible.
• Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others, whenever possible.
• Avoid gathering in large crowds
• Work from home, if possible.
• Avoid all nonessential travel and social interactions.
• Don’t distance yourself from books! Let them keep us company and reconnect us.
Clean your hands often:
• Wash with soap and water for 20 seconds (sing Gloria Gaynor’s “I will survive!”), or with hand sanitizer containing 60% to 95% alcohol.
• If using hand sanitizer with alcohol, cover all surfaces of your hands and rub hands together until they feel dry.
• Use soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
Clean “high-touch” surfaces each day:
• Clean “high-touch” surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
• Clean any surfaces that have blood, stool, or bodily fluids on them.
• Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, and follow the label instructions.
What can we do to help each other?
• If you feel sick, stay home. Avoid public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares if possible.
• If you are not feeling sick, stay home as much as possible and practice social (physical) distancing.
• Check in with your neighbors, especially the elderly. See what they need.
• Only take what you need from the grocery stores.
• Pay special attention to the mental health of yourself and others around you. Reach out and take time to reflect or meditate.
• Donate foods, goods, or money, if possible, to your local food pantry. While some of us may have the funds, many others may be without work or recently let go without pay or benefits.
• Check in with your friends and family; community is what sustains us.
• With this crisis, there has been a rise in racist and xenophobic attacks against Asians & Asian-Americans. Be vigilant, and willing to stand up against these attacks on members of our community.
• "Collective Care Is Our Best Weapon Against COVID-19"
How do I support my family members who are immunocompromised or older adults?
• Know what medications your family member is taking and see if you can fill a 90 day supply to make sure they don’t run out.
• Monitor food and medical supplies such as oxygen machines and wound care. Create a plan for stocking up when food and supply levels are low.
• Stock up on non-perishable foods to have at hand.
• Keep a thermometer at home, in case you need to check their temperature.
Where to go for support and questions:
• For real-time updates, text “COVID” to 692-692.
• FOR NEW YORKERS: If you need a provider, NYC Health and Hospitals provides care to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, insurance status, or ability to pay. Call 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692) or 311.
• If you are feeling anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed, connect with trained counselors at NYC Well, the City’s confidential helpline. Call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355), text "WELL" to 65173. Or chat online at nyc.gov/nycwell.
• NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness created this resource guide on finding phone support and online community during the crisis.
• Home may not be the safest place to be and if you feel unsafe or scared, reach out to the domestic violence hotline at 1-800-799-7233. If you’re unable to talk, text LOVEIS to 22522.
• Gig Workers Collective : Connect with other gig workers for resource connections, virtual support, or help with running errands.
• Rent, food, and utility assistance state to state
• Coronavirus Resource Toolkit
• Healing Embodied: “Self-care practices to support your nervous system.”
• The Womanly team is here for you if you have any questions or would like some support. We will get through this, together. Please message us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or send us an email at info@womanlymag.com.
