We are in the midst of a 2nd COVID-19 wave and it could get worse before it gets better. We know more than we did 8 months ago, and in partnership with the Childrens Specialized Hospital of NJ, ASF has compiled summary of how to manage 10 Common Issues in the Second Wave of COVID-19. A short list of main points are found here, but you should really check out this amazing presentation that Adrienne Robertiello from CSH put together, which is friendly for phones and tablets:
Download- Groceries: try to keep a sufficient supply of nutritious foods at home. Be prepared for shortages if you need special foods. And you can get an extra bag or can without feeling like you are hoarding. If you cannot get food delivery or can’t afford it, consider coordinating a pandemic ‘pod’ or ‘bubble’ to take turns shopping. Use social media networks to ask for help. Friends and strangers want to help as much as you don’t want to ask. You can also call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3HUNGRY to help find local food banks or pantries.
- Work: To prepare for fully-remote work, set up a plan of communication, file sharing and distribution or exchange of documents or materials. Communicate with your employer on what needs to be in place. The PDF file has links on employee paid-leave rights.
- Child’s Education: Right now, schools are providing education to students n a variety of ways which may change. Reach out to your school’s administrators to ask about any preparations you need if things change to fully-remote, especially supplies. Also, contact your child’s district case manager or special services staff to ensure there is at least an attempt to meet the implementation of your child’s IEP.
- Stress relief: It is important to prioritize self care. Take time to practice stress management techniques for you. There is an ASF/CSH podcast that is called “mindfulmess to mindfulness which may be helpful. Other links are on the PDF.
- Exercise plan: Your regular workout routine at a gym may be a think of the past or it may shut down soon. Exercise can be helpful for your mind and body as well as to reduce stress. You can exercise at home by walking up and down the stairs, dancing, or taking a walk. You can even use cans of soup as weights.
- COVID-19 testing: There are more ways to get tested than there was in March. You should contact your municipality or local library to learn more about how this can be done. There are links to community based testing sites in the PDF.
- Medication: Call your doctor and ask for a 3 months supply of your essential prescription and over the counter medications.
- Supplies: Consider investing in a pulse oximeter or no contact thermometer. A pulse oximeter can measure oxygen levels in the blood by clipping to your finger. It is not a screen, but a way to monitor your symptoms if you are diagnosed. A thermometer will help detect one of the hallmark signs of COVID-19: a fever.
- Sanitize: Try to keep a reasonable supply of hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, masks and household cleaners on hand. Disinfect regularly. You can make at home sprays with diluted Lysol, bleach or isopropyl alcohol.
- Masks and PPE: There are more masks available than there were in March and April. Buy some. Make sure the masks covers both the nose and mouth. ASF and CSH presented on a webinar that helps families get their family used to wearing these masks if they are bothersome. Most states have mask mandates, but even if you live in a state that does not enforce one, you should wear one when you leave the house.
In case you missed it, the PDF with links can be found here:
DownloadGood luck we will get through this together.
