COMMUNITY

In my community, what can I do today?

1.     Protect yourself. Follow the CDC guidelines:

·      Wash Your Hands frequently with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds (sometimes it helps to sing a short song)

·      Keep A Safe Distance Of 6 Feet from everyone

·      Group Events Are Very Risky  – church choir rehearsals, church services, and sports event have all become infection hubs when contagious “super-spreaders” unknowingly infected people at these events – despite people taking precautions not to get too close to each other.

·      Always Wear Masks in Public – if you don’t have a medical mask, it’s ok.  You can sew a mask or you can use an eye mask or a scarf or a handkerchief.  Anything will help - remember to keep 6 feet away from people as you navigate public spaces.

If you are feeling ill, you need to make sure your doctor takes you seriously.

·      Do not allow medical professionals to dismiss your symptoms, demand to be evaluated and tested for the COVID-19 virus, if tests are available. 

·      Even if your symptoms don’t seem very serious, make sure doctors test your oxygen levels - you may even need a chest x-ray.

·      Ask your doctor what you should be doing if you may have been infected.

**IMPORTANT! Research has shown that implicit racial bias among doctors means they are less likely to believe Black patients when they say they are in pain or believe they are ill.  So, you may need to navigate this barrier to protect your own health.

2.     Mutual Aid. Many communities are leveraging interdependence to coordinate relief, assistance, and information. Access mutual aid networks near you. 

·      Nationwide, mutual aid networks exist in many, many communities (or start your own). You can find lists here and here.

·      New York City mutual aid networks– find one in your community.

3.     Assess Your Status, Risk, + Preparedness. Assess the RISKS and the NEEDS specific to you, your family, and your community systematically. Then, take steps to try to reduce the risks you face.

·      Exposure risks – are you exposed to many different people in your home or work environments? Can you ask for personal protective equipment (gloves, masks) from your employer, or create some for yourselves? Request that your business provide you with added protection (face masks, disinfectant or cleansing wipes, soap and warm water to wash your hands and/or hand sanitizer)

·      Illness risks – do you have chronic health conditions that make it particularly dangerous for you if you catch COVID-19?  How can you limit those risks and who can be a helper in that process?

·      Social Distancing Risks – in many communities, people depend on members of the community for their day-to-day safety and access to food, resources, and information.  If your employment or the ways you make money to afford food and resources is cut off during this pandemic, what workarounds can assist you?

4.     Be a Helper. Some of our friends and family need extra help right now:

·      Help your neighbors who are elderly, homeschooling kids, and in high-risk groups with grocery shopping and disinfecting packages, if they need it

·      If you see any family or community member who appears ill (colds, allergies, chest pains, trouble breathing or the flu) assist them in seeking medical help immediately

5. Don’t Believe MYTHS. There are a lot of myths and misinformation out there. Make sure you can tell the difference between myths + facts

·   MYTH: Blacks do not die from the virus. This is FALSE. In fact, we are seeing racial disparities and in many communities Black people are dying at higher rates than any other racial category.

·      MYTH: You can’t get COVID from people who sneeze, only those who cough. This is FALSE - COVID-19 can be passed in the air after a person sneezes, coughs, and even in the “slipstream,” the air breathed out and left behind runners and walkers.  COVID-19 is highly contagious, perhaps more than is fully known right now.

·   MYTH: You only need to wear a mask if you are sick. This is FALSE. Mask should be worn by everyone.  Some people are unaware they are sick and can pass on the virus unwittingly. Wearing a mask and washing hands after being in public settings is a protection for you and for those around you.

more ideas? comment below or let us know at info@daylyt.org.