During these unusual times, as we take precautions to avoid contact with the coronavirus and keep ourselves and our families healthy, as we try to work and learn remotely when possible, and to keep stress levels relatively low, everyone I know has lots of questions. This new reality has only recently begun and already I seem to have more questions every day. Yet in seeking answers, it seems that there is both too much and not enough information all at the same time.
So how do we know which information to pay attention to? Which information is valid and relevant to us? Here are a couple of simple tips to help you navigate the plethora of information that is coming at us daily via phone, email, news feed, social media, and other online sources every day. Not to mention the neighbor who heard from a friend who heard from….
Below are some sources I trust. Keep in mind that the information is current as of day of posting, but things are changing very quickly!:
General Safety Measures
NYC Stop the Spread Flyer: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/stop-the-spread-poster.pdf
Reliable Resources for Health Questions
Updates on NYC Local Guidelines and Safety Measures: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/coronavirus.page
Center for Disease Control (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf
World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
Johns Hopkins Medical Center Covid19 Myth vs. Fact: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/2019-novel-coronavirus-myth-versus-fact
Covid19 Home Care Guidance: https://www.in.gov/isdh/files/IN_COVID-19_Home_Care_2.28.20.pdf
and
Home Instruction Suggestions
Kahn Academy suggested schedules for kids at home: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSZhOdEPAWjUQpqDkVAlJrFwxxZ9Sa6zGOq0CNRms6Z7DZNq-tQWS3OhuVCUbh_-P-WmksHAzbsrk9d/pub
Keeping Kids Occupied
Washington Post on parenting, playdates and more during corona virus social distancing: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2020/03/14/parenting-tips-coronavirus/
NYTimes guidelines for playdates and keeping kids physically and emotionally healthy during corona virus social distancing: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/parenting/kids-playdates-coronavirus.html
Four Guides to Talking to Kids about Corona Virus:
https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/
and
and
https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/05/health/coronavirus-how-to-talk-to-children-trnd/index.html
and
After School Alliance Guidelines for youth-serving programs: http://afterschoolalliance.org/COVID-19.cfm?utm_source=sendinblue&utm_campaign=COVID19_PM_resource_email_3132020&utm_medium=email
“Internet Essentials” Program and Other Internet service offers for qualifying families:
and
https://www.spectrum.com/browse/content/spectrum-internet-assist.html
Special Ed During Corona Virus Response—Legal FAQs: https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/coronavirus-school-closings-legal-faqs
WNYC Radio 93.5FM and 820AM
Brian Lehrer Show