Before a Coronavirus (Covid-19) Outbreak Occurs in your Community Make a PLAN

 

 

Create a Household Plan of Action

Creating a household plan can help protect your family's health in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community.  Base the details of your household plan on the needs and daily routine of your household members.  Plan for those who might be at higher risk of severe complications. Older adults with underlying chronic medical conditions may be at risk for more severe complications. If you or your family member might be in the higher risk category, consult with your healthcare provider for more information about monitoring your health for symptoms suggestive of Covid-19.  CDC will recommend actions to help keep high-risk people healthy if Covid-19 outbreak occurs in your community.

 

Create an Emergency Contact List

Ensure your household has a current list of emergency contacts for family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, health care providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources.

 

Ensure you Have Food to Last for Two Weeks

Stock up on foods, canned goods and non-perishable items (without hoarding) to keep you and your family nourished for at least two weeks.

 

Ensure you Have Medications to Last for Two Weeks

If you take daily prescription medications or as-needed prescription medications, you do not want to run out of your medicine. 

Additionally, stock up on cough and allergy medicine (without hoarding), especially since the allergy season is upon us, and the trees and flowers are beginning to bloom.

If you pick up medicine at your local pharmacy, use the drive-thru so that you do not come in contact with others who may be sick and, as a result, infect you.  You want to continue taking your medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider, striving to live an optimal healthy lifestyle during the Covid-19 crisis just as you usually would.

 

Identify Aid Organizations in your Community

Create a list of local organizations that you and your household can contact in the event you need access to information, health care services, support, and resources. Consider including organizations that provide mental health or counseling services, food, and other supplies.

 

Get to know your Neighbors

Talk with your neighbors about emergency planning. If your neighborhood has a website or social media page, consider joining it to maintain access to neighbors, information, and resources.

                                                       

Practice Proper Personal Health Hygiene Habits and Plan for Home-based Actions

Practice everyday preventive measures now. Remind everyone in your household of the importance of practicing daily precautionary steps that can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical assistance.
• Cover your cough and sneezes into your inner elbow, or with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash can and wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using regular household detergent and water.
• If surfaces are dirty, they use a detergent and water before disinfection. 

 

Identify a Separate Bathroom for the Sick Person to use

Choose a room in your home to separate sick household members from those who are healthy.  Avoid sharing personal items like food and drinks. Clean the sick room and bathroom, as needed, to avoid unnecessary contact with the ill person.

 

Learn about the Emergency Operation Plan at your Child's School

Understand the procedure for continuing education and social services (such as student meal programs) while the schools are closed. If your child attends a college or university, encourage them to learn about the school's plan for a COVID-19 outbreak.

 

Plan for potential Workplace Changes

Learn about your employer's emergency operations plan. Discuss sick-leave policies and telework options for workers who are sick or who need to stay home to care for sick household members. 

 

During an Outbreak in your Community, Protect Yourself and Others 

• Staying home from work, school, and all activities when you are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, which may include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
• Keep away from others who are sick.
• Limit close contact with others as much as possible (about 6 feet).

 

Put your Household Plan into action

Stay informed about the local COVID-19 situation. Get up-to-date information about local COVID-19 activity from public health officials. Be aware of temporary school dismissals in your area, as this may affect your household's daily routine.

 

Stay in Touch with Others by Phone or Email

If you know someone who lives alone and becomes sick during a COVID-19 outbreak, they may need help. If they have a chronic medical condition and live alone, ask family, friends, and health care providers to check on them during an outbreak. Stay in touch with family and friends with chronic medical conditions.

 

Inform your Workplace if you need to Change your Regular Work Schedule

Notify your workplace as soon as possible if your schedule varies. Ask to work from home or take leave if you or someone in your household gets sick with Covid-19 symptoms, or while schools are closed.

 

Keep Track of School Closings in your Community

Read or watch local media sources that report school dismissals. If schools are closed temporarily, use alternative childcare arrangements, if needed.

 

Take Care of the Emotional Health of your Household Members

 Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so be sure to talk to your family members about Covid-19.  Outbreaks can be stressful for adults and children. Children respond differently to stressful situations than adults.  Children's perception is real to them just as it is to adults, real but different. Listen carefully, try to stay calm, and reassure them that they are safe, and we will get through this together.

 

***Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places while school is closed to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

 

 

Content Source, CDC:  March 14, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updated 3/18/2020