Flatten the Curve: Really helpful, comprehensive guide about what COVID-19 is, is not, and what we should do.

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.

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. From Buzzfeed:

• "Put simply, social distancing involves staying away from other people in order to avoid catching or spreading a virus. It’s a fancy term for avoiding crowds. That could mean working from home rather than catching a train to the office, avoiding concerts or weddings, or skipping that half marathon you’ve been training for."

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. From Vox:

• "Isolation is separating those with confirmed infections from other people, so that they can get better without infecting anyone else.

• Quarantine is restricting the movement of, or isolating, people who might have been exposed to an infection but who aren’t yet sick.

• Social distancing refers to a slew of tactics meant to keep people from congregating in large crowds, to slow the spread of a virus."

Hand washing

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.

From the CDC: "Follow these five steps every time.

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.

4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can’t Use Soap and Water."

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.

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