COVID-19 update and resources to help you
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
As a Social worker, like many other health professionals, am concerned about the impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) not only on my own well-being and my family, but as well as the welfare of the people I serve and care about, their families, and others in the community. As a member of African Community you are a part of the people I serve and care about and so your wellness is important to me.
No matter where we are, in this country or beyond its borders, the coronavirus pandemic challenges us to consult reliable and trusted sources of information for current and accurate update and guidance on what to do and to help address anxiety and other concerns that are arising as a result of this public health crisis.
Even with preparedness, this kind of crisis can really take a toll on us, emotionally, physically, and financially, that’s why African Resources Center International (ARCI), is working on ways to support members of our community during this difficult time. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need guidance or referral services.
Reliable sources of information
One-way ARCI is providing support is by being an ambassador of rational, fact-based approaches to the epidemic. We are taking time to review information from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization on how the coronavirus is spread, symptoms of the disease, to know the steps people can take to lessen their chances of contracting coronavirus and then share that with you on this platform.
Resources to support you
Below are resources to support you. As the situation continues to rapidly evolve, ARCI will continue to monitor developments and work to update you and be a resource to members of our community and their families.
Find Reliable Information About COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the leading national public health agency in the United States and provides information and updates on COVID-19 as it becomes available.
As a community How can we educate ourselves?
As a community we need to rely on rational, fact-based approaches to this epidemic.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, stated that The practice of social distancing is crucial to containing and mitigating the novel coronavirus — slowing down the spread of COVID-19 so that medical resources are not overwhelmed.
Preventive Measures
The CDC recommends the following to avoid spreading COVID-19:
- Stay home when you are sick with influenza-like illness.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
- Keep frequently touched common surfaces clean, i.e., telephones, computer equipment, etc.
- Do not use other workers’ phones, desks, office, or other work tools and equipment; if necessary, consider cleaning them first with a disinfectant
- See Preventing the spread of Coronavirus Disease among household members- intimate partners and caregivers (CDC, Feb. 14, 2020)
Joe K. Mungai, MSW, LMSW, LPC, CCC, CTP, CCM