Coronavirus: things to keep in mind, prevention, how to get help, where to donate

At this point I hope everyone is taking this situation seriously. If you are not, just look at Italy (more than 53,000 cases and 4,800 deaths) and Spain (more than 25,000 cases and 1,300 deaths). The U.S. is on the rise. Here are some things to keep in mind.

– Stay home, unless you absolutely have to go out

– If you do go out, including for walks, runs, and bike rides, try to keep a six-foot distance

– When you come back inside, wash your hands with antibacterial soap for 20 seconds
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/world/how-to-wash-your-hands-coronavirus.html

– Once a day, clean the high-touch areas in your home, including door knobs, light switches, refrigerator doors, faucets, and your phone. Use wipes or spray that say Kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/world/clean-home-coronavirus.html

– Here are the CDC Guidelines for prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

– Many places are still open for takeout and delivery, but I’m not doing that since it puts those employees and delivery people in danger. Instead, I’m looking to buy gift cards.

– If you or someone you know has been negatively affected economically, here is A Hub for Help During the Coronavirus Crisis
https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-money-unemployment.html

– When buying from Amazon, go to smile.amazon.com, and select a charity to suppport

– Here are some links of places to donate to:

Compilation of organizations from the Washington Post

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/03/21/how-you-can-help-during-coronavirus

Give Directly, putting cash in the hands of people directly affected by the virus
https://www.givedirectly.org/covid-19/

Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
https://www.usbgfoundation.org/beap

Musicians Foundation
http://www.musiciansfoundation.org

Entertainment Industry Foundation
https://www.eifoundation.org

The Actors Fund
https://actorsfund.org

Center for Disaster Philanthropy
https://disasterphilanthropy.org/cdp-fund/cdp-covid-19-response-fund/

Feeding America

https://www.feedingamerica.org

Meals on Wheels
https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org

Directory of Homeless Shelters
https://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/contact.html

– Finally, a huge thank you to those people who are working and can’t work from home, including scientists, doctors, nurses, paramedics, first responders, supermarket workers, post office staff, truck drivers, delivery people, therapists, and social workers.

Stay safe, stay healthy