"Connecting Communities for COVID19 News" 24th Mar 2020
Isolation Tips
Coronavirus: how to self-isolate
What to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19, have travelled to a badly affected area, or have been in contact with someone who has the disease
How to talk to your child about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) 8 tips to help comfort and protect children.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything you’re hearing about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) right now. It’s also understandable if your children are feeling anxious, too. Children might find it difficult to understand what they are seeing online or on TV – or hearing from other people – so they can be particularly vulnerable to feelings of anxiety, stress and sadness. But having an open, supportive discussion with your children can help them understand, cope and contribute
People self-isolating must ask for help says Norfolk’s public health chief
"If you are self-isolating, ask other people for help, for example to fetch groceries, collect deliveries, post mail and walk the dog.” People helping should maintain good hygiene, such as regularly washing their hands and should leave items outside people’s homes, rather than seeing them in person.
Taking care of your mental health during coronavirus
Feeling anxious and fearful with all this uncertainty, or angry, frustrated and confused is pretty common. "These are normal reactions to a not-normal time," says the mental health foundation, Headspace. With that in mind, we've collected a bunch of tips from the most reputable organisations, on how you can best protect your mental health while we all grapple with COVID-19.
Being Positive during a Pandemic: 5 tips for getting through the coronavirus as a better person
The arrival of COVID-19 to Milwaukee brought a great deal of uncertainty in its wake. Beyond the obvious health risks is an economic vulnerability that has not been experienced before. Many people feel that the routine of daily life has been sidelined, because COVID-19 has shut down educational institutions, entertainment venues, public events, places of business, and leisure activities. Dr. Malika Siker was a recent guest of the GoGedders Podcast on the subject of the coronavirus. She offered suggestions for people seeking ways to cope, and those eager to help others. These 5 tips expand on that advice.
Caring for mental health during the pandemic
During a time in which individuals are urged to stay inside whenever possible, it may become harder to care for one’s mental health. According to the CDC, natural responses to stress during a pandemic may include anxiety surrounding the health of themselves and loved ones, changes in sleep or eating patterns, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, worsening of chronic health problems, and an increased use of substances such as alcohol. The following advice on how to care for one’s mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic is compiled from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the WHO, the National Alliance on Mental Health, and the CDC.
Don’t neglect your mental health during this pandemic
Just as we are moving rapidly to safeguard our physical health, we must act with equal urgency to preserve our mental health and make psychiatric care accessible.
We have the technology we need to allow doctors to stay in touch with patients they can’t see in person. Now, we must act quickly to remove the obstacles posed by regulations and insurance bureaucracies, so doctors can provide critical mental health care.
Full guidance on staying at home and away from others
When we reduce our day-to-day contact with other people, we will reduce the spread of the infection. That is why the government is now (23 March 2020) introducing three new measures.
1. Requiring people to stay at home, except for very limited purposes
2. Closing non-essential shops and community spaces
3. Stopping all gatherings of more than two people in public
Hygiene Helpers
How to Protect Yourself and Prepare for the Coronavirus
The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus a pandemic, and the number of cases continues to rise worldwide. These basic steps can help you reduce your risk of getting sick or infecting others.
How to protect yourself from the coronavirus Good hygiene and social distancing remain the top two tactics.
"The no. 1 thing you can do to prevent any respiratory illness is to practice good personal hygiene." Washing your hands correctly -- using soap and water and washing for at least 20 seconds -- or using hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available, still stands as the best way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, according to the CDC
Community Activities
Pill volunteers canvas village to provide coronavirus help
A group is distributing leaflets throughout Pill and Easton-in-Gordano in an effort to help those who have had to self isolate in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Here to Help - back our campaign to support communities amid coronavirus
David Powles, editor of the EDP and Evening News, said: “We know that when we face upheaval, our communities pull together in their time of need. The outbreak of this virus is no exception, and already we’re seeing the kind gestures being made by businesses and people across Norfolk and Waveney. “But we want to encourage everyone, where possible, to be involved. We might not be able to nip round someone’s house or pop over for a chat, but there are plenty of safe ways we can help others, whether’s that’s picking up the phone for a chat to lift someone’s spirits or offering to collect a prescription.
The great Aussie spirit: Facebook group allows people to 'adopt' a healthcare worker
Chris Nicholas launched Facebook group 'Adopt a Healthcare Worker' last week. Its mission is to 'support those who support us', particularly during COVID-19. So far 17,693 have joined the group and offered their services up to others.
People are walking their pets, buying their groceries and childminding
Auckland woman creates coronavirus care packages for elderly struggling during COVID-19 pandemic
On Thursday, Mellissa Richardson posted on Facebook about her plan to create care packages of essential items and drop them off to vulnerable people in her community. Richardson told Newshub she has received numerous large donations since her post. "I was thinking of just little care packs and it's slowly turning into my second job. We have had large donations of canned food, hand sanitiser, and groceries which is great."
How you can help during the coronavirus outbreak
Several nonprofit organizations could use your time and money to make sure vulnerable populations are cared for during the pandemic
“We are not the frontline in this battle. We as healthcare workers stand in the back. We’re the LAST line of defense. The frontline of this epidemic is YOU, the people in the community, tasked with the challenge of keeping each other safe.”
We’re the LAST line of defense. The frontline of this epidemic is YOU, the people in the community, tasked with the challenge of keeping each other safe.”
#Covidiots trends on Twitter as people urge others to stay inside amid coronavirus outbreak
Around the world people have taken to social media with a newly coined word #covidiots to describe those who behave badly during the global pandemic.
Scouse Army: Thousands sign up to help city's most vulnerable in coronavirus fight
Council inundated with offers as new foodbank production hub is planned
In #Turkey, people have started to leave food packets on the road for the poor and the needy who cannot earn due to #COVIDー19 lockdown.
In #Turkey, people have started to leave food packets on the road for the poor and the needy who cannot earn due to #COVIDー19 lockdown. Love you #Turks for representing us. #coronavirus #COVID19 #Italy #MulikaCorona #coronaviruskenya
Look For the Helpers: Stepping Up to Stomp Out COVID-19
Fighting the coronavirus requires people to socially distance themselves, but it also calls on community members to help one another—and that’s exactly what’s taking place all around the globe. To answer the call for help, a network of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers have stepped up to support and shield people in need. Teams are doing everything they can to aid their communities.
Chennai-based app Alserv provides doorstep services for the elderly
Alserv, a Chennai-based startup app, promises to provide essential services, like healthcare and maintenance, to senior citizens at their doorstep
Working Remotely
As coronavirus forces millions to work remotely, the US economy may have reached a 'tipping point' in favor of working from home
Companies are enabling remote work to keep business running while helping employees follow social distancing guidelines. A typical company saves about $11,000 per half-time telecommuter per year, according to Global Workplace Analytics. As companies adapt to their remote work structures, the coronavirus pandemic is having a lasting impact on how work is conducted.
Could remote working be the future of work?
As all the normal rules for business and social interactions are shredded daily by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, working remotely has become a lifeline for UK businesses. Many organisations that have previously ignored remote working are making an overnight u-turn, or those that only allowed hybrid working when team workloads overflowed, now need a framework, some rules and fast ideas for keeping morale up.
Virtual Classrooms
Schools conduct lessons via virtual classrooms for pupil
Many platforms are providing their services free of cost to enable teachers and students to conduct live online classes, share learning material, address student queries, share assignments, conduct quizes and exams, record attendance and a whole lot more to conduct online classes seamlessly
'Let your kids get bored': emergency advice from teachers on schooling at home
School may have closed for the foreseeable future, and all exams cancelled, but children still need to be educated and entertained – as well as reassured. Many schools plan to send work home and there are lots of free resources available via online platforms such as BBC Teach.
Our first virtual assembly for our Degerloch Lower School students took place on Friday
Our first virtual assembly for our Degerloch Lower School students took place on Friday! #distancelearning #virtualassembly #ISStuttgart
Covid-19 in UAE: Virtual classrooms would be just like real ones
Though classes will go online from today, the general setup would resemble real classrooms, educators have told Khaleej Times. The classes would entail a proper routine and students will learn from a setup similar to the desk-and-chair one they are used to in schools. Classes would be conducted as per timetables shared with parents and students previously.
Online Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic
What do we gain and what do we lose when classrooms go virtual?
‘Normal school day’: Perth students trial virtual classrooms amid crisis
Instead of being herded into a classroom on Thursday morning as the school bell rang, some WA students stayed at home and logged in online to their new-look virtual lessons. Although WA schools still remain open amid the COVID-19 pandemic, up to 30 per cent of WA students are staying home, and at least one private school has started trialling virtual classrooms.
Public Policies
China to Lift Lockdown Over Virus Epicenter Wuhan on April 8
China’s Hubei province said it will allow transportation to resume for the city of Wuhan on April 8, effectively lifting a mass quarantine over the city where the coronavirus first emerged last December. People in Wuhan will be allowed to leave the city and Hubei province, according to a statement on the provincial government’s website Tuesday.
Coronavirus: What are the new restrictions and why are they needed?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a series of new restrictions to fight the coronavirus outbreak in a televised address from 10 Downing Street.
In Italy Bergamo's streets are empty as it deals with a devastating number of coronavirus-related deaths – and the Mayor calls on people in the UK to learn and get social distancing now
In Italy Bergamo's streets are empty as it deals with a devastating number of coronavirus-related deaths – and the Mayor calls on people in the UK to learn and get social distancing now
Iceland, able to test its entire population, found half of those who tested positive had no symptoms #TestTestTest
Coronavirus’ silent spreaders — Iceland, able to test its entire population, found half of those who tested positive had no symptoms #TestTestTest
Policymakers Can’t Afford to Neglect Home Care Providers During COVID-19 Pandemic
“What we’ve seen, now more than ever, is that home care is a critical component in the prevention and spread of this virus,” Emma Dickison, CEO and president of Home Helpers, told HHCN. “By being in the home, we are the first to notice any changes in the health of the clients that are the most vulnerable to this virus. As a result, we are able to help them seek care earlier.”
Anthony Fauci’s Plan to Stay Honest
Fauci has advised six presidents since he became the head of NIAID in 1984. But he’s never seen a disease quite like COVID-19, nor has he ever worked for a president quite like Trump. Our conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Why Singapore reopened schools despite coronavirus: They used science
Schools in Singapore reopened on Monday, March 23, after the students’ regular March holidays, despite the rising number of novel coronavirus cases in the city-state.Singapore Education Minister Ong Ye Kung on Sunday, March 22, outlined Singapore’s reasons for deciding to reopen classes, providing a glimpse into how decisions are made to fight the coronavirus in Singapore. Their decision was based on science, as well as careful analysis of their society.
As Coronavirus Cases Add Up, California Frantically Counts Tests, Beds and Masks
Across a state with many large biotechnology companies, the promise of widespread access to testing for the coronavirus has not materialized.
Asylum seekers and refugees in Australia in detention anxious and scared of a Covid-19 outbreak write to PM asking for release
Asylum seekers and refugees said they were “anxious and scared” of a Covid-19 outbreak inside detention, saying they were being held “in a potential death trap in which we have no option or means to protect ourselves”.
Coronavirus: How to apply for government business support
The government has released details about the £350bn package of financial support which Chancellor Rishi Sunak has promised to UK business to deal with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus: Govt hasn't run ads on pandemic from official social media accounts
The government has been offered as many free adverts on Facebook and Instagram accounts as it needs to promote its policies of lockdown and the protection of public health. To date, the government has failed to run a single advert.
Healthcare Innovations
UK is mass-producing a coronavirus antibody and antigen test in the UK and Senegal which can tell you if you've ever had the infection or if you're currently ill
The UK Government is working with the inventors of the home pregnancy test to develop a coronavirus testing kit in Britain and Senegal. Mologic was granted £1million to produce two different types of test which reveal if someone has ever had the deadly virus in the past. The kits – one will look for antigens in spit, the other will scour blood for antibodies – could also tell if a person currently has the infection. But the company, who laboratory in Bedfordshire was visited by Prime Minister Boris Johnson this month, estimates it will be up to six months before Brits can use them
Germany's low coronavirus mortality rate intrigues experts
While the pandemic has hit Germany with full force, with Johns Hopkins University noting 22,364 confirmed infections by Sunday morning, only 84 people are so far reported to have died. This means Germany currently has the lowest mortality rate of the 10 countries most severely hit by the pandemic: 0.3% compared with 9% in Italy and 4.6% in the UK.
Taiwan Case Study - COVID-19 can be defeated, we just need a radical change of strategy
Taiwan had its first case of COVID-19 at the end of January. Today it has just 168. This shows COVID-19 can be defeated, we just need a radical change of strategy from our government.
Valencia announces the first move of a Coronavirus patient from an intensive care unit to a normal ward at the Hospital General in Castellón. Via @GVAsanitat
Valencia announces the first move of a Coronavirus patient from an intensive care unit to a normal ward at the Hospital General in Castellón. Via @GVAsanitat
CDC says coronavirus survived in Princess Cruise ship cabins for up to 17 days after passengers left
The coronavirus survived for up to 17 days aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, living far longer on surfaces than previous research has shown, according to new data published Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Coronavirus, the Istituto Superiore di Sanità: from the initial data we have reviewed "Only 12 people died who did not have previous underlying pathologies"
The data in this statistical analysis can help experts better appreciate the aggressiveness of the virus, while at the same time, it reinforces the government's call to the people of Italy not to let down their guard.
COVID-19: 5 reasons to be cautiously hopeful
In the context of this global pandemic, feeling overwhelmed by all the negative information is a natural response. But researchers are also hard at work trying to understand, treat, and prevent the new coronavirus. We take a look at some of their results.
COVID-19: Recovered patients may have partially reduced lung function in some cases
A small study of 12 patients discharged from hospital showed that two or three had reduced lung function. However, it is too early to confirm any long-term effects. "In some patients, lung function could decline by about 20 to 30% after recovery," says Dr. Owen Tsang Tak-yin, medical director of the Infectious Diseases Centre at Princess Margaret Hospital in Hong Kong. In confirms earlier findings from Wuhan in early February where researchers examined scans of 140 patients
1 in 5 hospitalized coronavirus patients is between 20 and 44 years old, CDC report finds
A new study shows young people are developing serious complications from the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. On Wednesday, the CDC released a report to detail the complications in the US from the disease. The study took a look at 508 patients who had been hospitalized from the virus and found 20 percent were aged 20–44 years.
Human immune systems respond to coronavirus in the same way it fights flu: Researchers
As scientists scramble to develop a vaccine, researchers at Australia's Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity said they had taken an important step in understanding the virus by mapping the immune responses from one of country's first coronavirus patients. By examining the blood results from an unidentified woman in her 40s, they discovered that people's immune systems respond to coronavirus in the same way it typically fights flu.
