Resource Library for COVID-19
Introduction — Please read!
Howdy y’all! My name’s B and I created this resource document because in the wake of any kind of problem, large or small, we need each other. We must be informed, be prepared, take action, and take care of each other. We aren’t acting out of fear or panic, we’re acting in solidarity with one another and with empathy and care to protect the vulnerable among us.
To submit additional resources, you can message me @blackcatbarrera on Twitter. The short link for this document is tiny.cc/beatCOVID-19. I’ve also created a local resource document for the city I live in, San Antonio: tiny.cc/SACOVID-19. If you are able to do so, I recommend creating one for your city or town!
Please bookmark this document and share with your networks! Click here for an Instagram graphic for sharing. Feel free to make any graphics of your own!
Information
Big Action #1: Social Distancing
Big Action #2: Effective Handwashing
Big Action #3: Make and Wear a Mask in Public
Other Important Actions: Do these too!
Supplies and Preparation
Local Resources: What are the resources in your community?
What do I do if I think I have COVID-19?
Mutual Aid and Support: How do we help each other?
Wellbeing: How do I help myself?
What should I do if I’m unsafe?
Who should I give money to?
Organizing: How do we use this moment to fight for justice?
Information
Flatten the Curve: Really helpful, comprehensive guide about what COVID-19 is, is not, and what we should do. I recommend everyone start here.
Basic Facts About COVID-19 from the CDC: Easily digestible page with quick and basic facts about COVID-19.
It’s not overreacting to prepare for coronavirus. Here’s how.: Highlights: 1.) Seriously, wash your hands. 2.) Wearing a mask in public will help you and others stay safe even if you’re not feeling sick. 3.) If you get sick, you might be out of commission for a few days or weeks. Get the things you’d need to manage that. 4.) Consider what you’d do if schools and daycares are closed. 5.) Psychological preparation is important too.
Virology: Interesting and informative podcast episode from Ologies about COVID-19. Also debunks myths and answers common questions.
What Taiwan can teach the world on fighting the coronavirus: Taiwan got their shit together and they got it together fast. Here’s what we can learn from them.
Covid-19, your community, and you — a data science perspective: “We are data scientists—that is, our job is to understand how to analyze and interpret data. When we analyze the data around covid-19, we are very concerned. The most vulnerable parts of society, the elderly and the poor, are most at risk, but controlling the spread and impact of the disease requires us all to change our behavior. Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, avoid groups and crowds, cancel events, and don’t touch your face. In this post, we explain why we are concerned, and you should be too.”
Big Action #1: Social Distancing
What is Social Distancing?: One of the best and most effective methods for preventing the spread of the virus is social distancing. This article explains what it is and how to practice it.
What is “social distancing,” and how can it slow the coronavirus outbreak?: This article explains the difference between quarantine, isolation, and social distancing and goes into more depth about social distancing. Highlights: stay six feet from others as much as possible, avoid mass gatherings, avoid traveling, work from home if you can, stay home if you’re sick.
Big Action #2: Effective Handwashing
CDC: When and How to Wash Your Hands: Handwashing is the one of the other best and most effective methods at preventing the spread of the virus. We must wash our hands often and properly. This article explains how.
Handwashing Song: If you have children, are around children, or work with children, this is a cute song about effective handwashing that you could print out and teach them. If you're an adult you should learn it too because easily memorized rhymes are good for any age.
Big Action #3: Make and Wear a Mask in Public
This is a simple no-sew mask. You shouldn’t buy masks and you should donate any that you do have to healthcare workers, but DIY masks are a good measure to keep yourself and others safer when in public. If you can sew, consider making and donating masks. There are many patterns available.
Wear your mask safely: Wash your hands thoroughly before putting your mask on. Don’t touch your face or mask when wearing. Throw washable masks in the laundry or hamper after wearing and wash your hands thoroughly again.
Other Important Actions: Do these too!
CDC: Steps to prevent illness: Other important actions to take include: staying home if you’re sick, covering your coughs and sneezes, wear a facemask when in public, even if you’re not feeling sick, and clean and disinfect. Click the link to learn more.
CDC: Travel: Basically, you should postpone or cancel any upcoming travel.
OSHA: What should I do at work?: Frequently wash your hands, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, and avoid close contact with people who are sick. See document for more depth. Has a section for both workers who could have occupational exposure to COVID-19 and workers who don’t.
Supplies and Preparation
Your medicine cabinet: Now is as good a time as any to restock on over-the-counter medicines and first aid kit supplies. Check this link to see what you should have at home. (But don't hoard resources, especially with masks!)
Cleaning Supplies: This list has re-approved cleaning products by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against emerging enveloped viral pathogens and can be used during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Research: Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: systematic revie