Stay safe, stay at home: Coronavirus
As we have watched the unfolding response to the Coronavirus happen across the United States the past few weeks, we have thought often of you, our members, and of everyone who comes to Evolve in search of help and independence.
This is an unnerving time for all of us, and especially for our country’s elderly and immune-compromised residents. As experts work to learn more about this virus and develop vaccines and other responses, it seems the situation changes almost every day.
But some things will remain the same and help everyone through this time of crisis. Here are a few things we have observed:
Use your networks. Reach out to people who can help you navigate this situation, from folks who can go shopping for you to people who might be willing to just stay in touch daily, even if it’s just a phone call or Skype video. Staying connected to others lessens loneliness and feelings of isolation and helps people feel empowered.
Be patient, and be prudent. No all the information out there is reliable: for example, you can’t stop Coronavirus by gargling with salt water, using silver solution, or drinking certain types of fluids. You can help stop the spread by practicing social distancing and good cleanliness and hand-washing, and by staying out of public spaces and avoiding big gatherings of people. Take advantage of senior shopping hours or curbside pickup at local stores where those perks are available.
Stay informed. Here are a few reliable sources of information about the virus, continually updated as new facts emerge.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov
The New York Times’ daily Coronavirus briefing: this daily newsletter is sent via email; subscribing is free. Visit https://www.nytimes.com/newsletters/coronavirus-briefing for more information.
Your state health department. Google the name of your state and “health department” and you should be able to find the official government page, which should contain updated Coronavirus information.
Stay at home, stay upbeat, and stay safe! You will be in our thoughts and prayers.