New CDC Recommendation Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings
April 3, 2020 – CDC continues to study the spread and effects of the novel coronavirus across the United States. We now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms.
In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
Mental Health
- Toolkit to deal with anxiety/stress from impacts of virus
- CDC: Managing Anxiety and Stress
- Alameda County Behavioral Health: Managing emotional health during uncertain times
- Coronavirus Anxiety — Helpful Expert Tips and Resources (ADAA)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: COVID-19 Information and Resources
Online AA Meetings – Google doc listing resources for friends of Bill W.
Free: California’s statewide mental health phone line The California Peer-Run Warm Line offers non-emergency emotional support and referrals to anyone in the state needing mental health help. The number is 1-855-845-7415. You can use it via telephone or instant messaging.
Mondays to Fridays: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturdays: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sundays: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Apps for mental health (all FREE)
Headspace: A popular meditation and mindfulness app, is offering free content to help manage stress and anxiety. The collection, called “Weathering The Storm,” is free for everyone. It includes meditations, sleep, and movement exercises to help you out, however you’re feeling. What is included in the free subscription in headspace? If you want to experience more of the app you get a free 2 week trial. Entire app is free for any healthcare professional.
MindShift: A great tool for anxiety available on iPhone and Android, developed by Anxiety BC. It teaches relaxation skills, develops new thinking, and suggests healthy activities. Designed for youth but useful to anyone.
BellyBio Interactive Breathing: Wonderful biofeedback device that monitors your breathing and plays sounds reminiscent of ocean waves when you relax. Great for anxiety and stress. iPhone only.
Take a Break! Guided Meditations for Stress Relief: From the excellent developers of relaxation apps at Meditation Oasis comes this free app to quickly recharge. Listen to a seven-minute Work Break or 13-minute Stress Relief recording with or without music or nature sounds. iPhone or Android.
Relax with Andrew Johnson Lite: Great guided meditation session for relaxation, helpful with anxiety and stress as well as a sleep aid. Available in Android and iPhone versions.
Relax and Sleep Well with Glenn Harold: Twenty-minute guided meditation with music to help you fall asleep. Relaxing and gentle. For iPhone and Android.
Religion / Worship
Judaism
Orthodox: South Philadelphia Shtiebel
Conservative: Conservative Ruling re: Minyans for Kadish also the saying of d’var sh’bekedusha
Reconstruction: Counting the Quarantine
Reform: Temple Emanu-El- We are streaming our services weekly from our YouTube channel. If anyone would like names to be read for future weeks, please email: [email protected]
Our schedule of streaming services.
Non-Denominational: Alma.
Additional Resources:
Symptoms and Testing
CDC Coronavirus Symptoms Checker
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure (based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses).
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
- CDC: How to Prepare
- CDC: Protect Yourself and Others
- CDC: FAQ webpage
Alameda County: Testing for COVID-19
Free COVID-19 Testing in Fremont
The Fremont Fire COVID-19 Testing Center, located at the Fremont Fire Tactical Training Center, 7200 Stevenson Blvd. (click for map), was created to help alleviate the pressure on hospital emergency departments, provide faster test results for recently exposed first responders and front line healthcare workers, and to increase our community’s ability to suppress new transmissions through isolation after testing.
To receive a COVID-19 test, each person will be screened as part of a two-part testing process and must have a fever over 100 degrees and be symptomatic for COVID-19. Symptoms for COVID-19 include cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest and/or other respiratory symptoms. A referral from a medical doctor is not required to be screened.
Testing at the Fremont Fire COVID-19 site will be organized using a drive-thru system and individuals seeking the test will need to remain inside a vehicle. No walk-up tests will be permitted.
Click for more information
Free COVID-19 testing in Hayward
No referral from a medical doctor is required to be screened. Open to anyone regardless of where they live or immigration status. The Center is outfitted with enough kits to test up to 350 people a day. You can also call the Hayward COVID-19 hotline at (510) 583-4949, which is staffed 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. The testing station is open 9am – 6pm everyday, Hayward Fire Station #7, 28270 Huntwood Avenue (click for map). More Information.
Masks
Masks are in short supply nationwide. Here are some links to teach you how to make general use masks for yourself and for others to free up N95 masks for professionals.
- Best materials for DIY face masks
- How to make a Face Mask
- Reuse Mask? DIY Mask?
- DIY Homemade N95 Mask for COVID-19
- HKMask Manual 說明書 (Unofficial 非官方)
- 1-page PDF facemask pattern
- No-sew pleated face mask with handkerchief and hair tie
- Make a face mask tutorial video
- DIY Face Mask Sewing tutorial video
- DIY no-sew mask tutorial video
- NIH 3D Print Exchange – 3D print PPE equipment at home for COVID-19.
Mask Donations
- Alameda Health System is accepting donations
- Mask Match for N95 masks
- 100 Million Mask Challenge
- Calling All People Who Sew And Make: You Can Help Make Masks For 2020 Healthcare Worker PPE Shortage
- Calling All Makers with 3D Printers: Join Critical Mission to Make Face Masks and Shields
- #GetMePPE Bay Area – Donor Form
- Children’s Hospital in Oakland are accepting donations of unused n95 masks, as well as hand sanitizer and gloves by mail.
- UCSF donations
- Mask Donations for Kaiser SF Hospital
- Making masks to support Kaiser’s nonclinical personnel and guests
More Resources
- City of Alameda COVID-19 page
- State of California COVID-19 FAQ page
- State of California Response page
- AUSD information page with resources in multiple languages
- City of Alameda business and employee resources
- Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD)
- California Department of Public Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- World Health Organization
- Community resources for kids at home
- While at Home – a clearinghouse for credible information and action steps
- CDC: Regularly updated situation status
- ACPHD: Regularly updated situation update
- CDC: guidance for businesses and employers
- CDC’s Fact Sheet
- Harvard Medical School: Coronavirus Resource Center
- COVID Near You Contribute your health status daily and help track the COVID-19 pandemic.
Undocumented Communities
East Oakland DREAMer emergency fund (up to $250, applicants must be migrant youth 15-30 years old or migrant guardian of youth aged 0-20). Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/COVIDMigrantYouthRelief
Undocumented families who plan to apply for documentation in the future should still seek testing/treatment for COVID. COVID is public charge exempt. Read more here.
On March 13, U.S. Customs and Immigration Services announced that testing, prevention, or treatment for COVID-19 will NOT be used against immigrants in a public charge test. This means that immigrant families should seek the care they need during this difficult time. Below is some information about the rights of immigrants’ rights in health care settings:
It is safe and smart to see the doctor if you need care. Your doctor is required to honor your right to privacy. You do not need to share any information about your immigration status unless you apply for Medicaid or other health coverage.
You can still see a doctor without medical insurance. This includes care you receive in the emergency room, at community and migrant health centers, free clinics, and public hospitals. If you don’t have a doctor, call a local community health center for assistance. Find a health center.
Hospitals and health care spaces are safe to visit. Federal guidelines prohibit immigration agents from conducting arrests or other enforcement actions at health care facilities, such as hospitals, doctors’ offices, health clinics, and urgent care facilities.
California residents can access Keep Your Benefits for more information about how their use of public benefits may effect their documentation status. Informed Immigrant also provides resources and accurate information for immigrant families with questions about their benefits.
CLICK HERE to learn more about your rights when accessing health services.
If you feel your rights or the rights of someone you know have been violated, you can file an immigration enforcement civil rights complaint. To learn more about filing a complaint, click here.