There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to  others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• 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 an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website

For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

Learn more at the CDC website.

Helpful resources below:

• CDC – This link takes you to the CDC and has information on the virus and guidance for businesses and employers. It links back to every issue related to this virus.
• NIH – Dr. Tony Fauci is the NIAID Director at NIH. He is the most respected person in the United States on this virus as well as other issues. He has been a public servant for many years under numerous administrations.
• Surgeon General of the United States: Dr. Jerome Adams is considered a top expert in the United States and could help us identify other experts across the country.
• Nebraska DHHS Coronavirus landing page.  This page is being updated as needed.
• Nebraska DHHS Coronavirus news/resources page.  This page is also being updated and contains multiple links to other resources.

FOOD BANK FOR THE HEARTLAND

The Food Bank for the Heartland is closely monitoring directives put in place by the CDC and locals health officials. CLICK HERE to find food locations and get the help you need.

For additional Nebraska food locations, call (855) 444-5556 and for Iowa food locations call ((855) 944-3663.

5 TIPS FOR TALKING TO YOUR KIDS/TEENS ABOUT CORONAVIRUS

Glenn Weiner, Ph.D. – Licensed Clinical Psychologist – Board Certified in Neurofeedback

1. Be honest, yet give only as much information as necessary.  This is not a one-time conversation.  Answer every question.
2. Validate & Normalize Anxiety:  It makes sense for you to feel anxious(worried) right now as this is a new and confusing experience. Talk about what people do to manage their worries.
3. Empower them:“You can do things to keep the risk of your getting this very low and keep it from spreading.  You and I can do some kind things to help other people while this is going on”.  Just as Mr. Rogers always taught us, “always look for the helpers” you can point to the medical teams, scientists, etc. and how helpful their work is to making others better.
4. Share a view that includes normal life going on:“This is a new experience for all of us, so I don’t know for sure, but the way that I am thinking about it now is”: e.g.  To prevent the spread the government is keeping large numbers of people from being together at one time.  So anywhere there are a lot of people together like school, concerts, and sports events, will be cancelled for a while, perhaps a couple of months, but we don’t know.  A lot of people are going to get sick like having the flu and may be sick for a couple of weeks.   It is rare for children and teenagers to get this.  It is adults and it is older adults and already sick adults that are at the greatest risk.  At some point, things will return to normal.  You will be back in school, it will be safe for large groups of people to gather again and we will look back on this experience.  We will still be ______-(e.g. going swimming this summer, visiting friends, going camping, etc.).
5. Limit NEWS exposure (this goes for adults as well).