Coronavirus Safety

Community practices such as social distancing, closures and canceling large gatherings can help slow the spread of this virus.

Here’s how you can help:  

• Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities.
• Stay home if you can and avoid any non-essential travel.
• Avoid social gatherings of more than ten people.
• Practice social distancing by keeping at least six feet away from others if you must go out in public.
• Avoid eating or drinking in bars, restaurants, and food courts. Use drive-thru, pickup or delivery options.
• Avoid visiting nursing homes, retirement or long-term care facilities.

If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to avoid getting sick.

• Stay home and avoid crowds as much as possible. Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
• When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
• Talk with your doctor about any additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.
• Stock up on supplies:
  • Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time. If you cannot get extra medications, consider using a mail-order option.
  • Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home. 
  • Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time. 

For many of us, COVID-19 has disrupted our routines and made everyday activities, such as work and caring for loved ones, challenging. These changes, on top of the general uncertainty around this pandemic, can create feelings of stress, fear and nervousness. These feelings are normal, and people typically bounce back after difficult times.

The following information can help you cope with stress and support others during this emergency.

It’s normal for people to have these types of feelings right now:

• Fear about running out of essential supplies.
• Anxiety, particularly about being separated from loved ones.
• Uncertainty about how long you will need to shelter at home.
• Concerns for your physical safety and that of others.
• Fear of getting sick.
• Guilt about not being able to fulfill responsibilities, such as work, parenting or caring for dependents.
• Boredom or isolation.
• Thoughts of blame, worry or fear.
• Worry about loss of income.
• Fear of being stigmatized or labeled if you become sick.

Coping Tips:

• Stay connected with loved ones through video calls, phone calls, texts or social media. 
• Remain informed with accurate, reliable information. Avoid social media accounts and news outlets that promote fear or rumors.
• Monitor your physical health needs and those of your loved ones. Eat healthy foods, and drink plenty of water.
• Unless you are showing signs of illness or have tested positive for COVID-19, going outside to exercise and walk pets is okay. But don’t forget to practice social distancing by keeping at least six feet away from others.
• Hold an image in your mind of the best possible outcome. Make a list of your personal strengths and use these to help both yourself and others stay emotionally strong. 
• If you are religious or spiritual, follow practices at home that provide you with comfort and emotional strength.

Helping Others:

• Reach out to older adults or people with chronic health conditions and offer to help. For example, offer to pick up groceries, medications and other essential supplies. Check in with them regularly but practice social distancing by keeping at least six feet away when you deliver essential items.
• Talk to your children and explain why this is happening and how long it might last. Use language that is normal and consistent with how you usually communicate. Be creative and think of fun activities that will occupy their time. Keep a schedule, set appropriate limits and maintain usual rules when possible.
• Take care of your pets, which can be an essential part of your support system. Like people, pets react to changes in their environment and routine, so their behaviors may change, as well. Keep track of their well-being and take care of their needs as best you can.
• Show kindness to people who may not have a support system or are isolated. There may be limits to what you can do in reaching out, but a little kindness may be just what someone needs.

The American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak. 

Healthy individuals are needed to schedule an appointment now to give blood in the days and weeks ahead to help patients counting on lifesaving blood throughout this pandemic. Donating blood is a safe process and people should not hesitate to give or receive blood.

Watch this video on the safety and need for blood donations.  

One of the most important things you can do to ensure we don’t have another health care crisis on top of coronavirus is to give now. But please postpone your donation for 28 days following travel to China and its special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau, as well as Iran, Italy and South Korea, or if you’ve been diagnosed with or have had contact with anyone with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. 

Help the American Red Cross continue to deliver its lifesaving mission nationwide due to this public health emergency. 

Donations will help to:

1. Ensure the American Red Cross maintains a sufficient supply of blood to help patients in need and prevent any shortages.
2. Ensure that, due to this Coronavirus outbreak, the American Red Cross is able to provide critical relief services to people affected by disasters big and small.