COVID-19

Guidelines for Self Protection and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19

All residents are encouraged to follow the NJ COVID-19 Information Hub, the CDC and their local public health departments for the latest information on COVID-19. Here is a great website from the CDC containing helpful information and guidelines to help protect you and those around you.

The following are guidelines from NJDOH and CDC:

Take everyday actions to protect yourself and those you love

• There are effective ways to reduce the risk to yourself and the people you care about.
  • Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or use your inner elbow or sleeve.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home if you’re sick, and keep your children home if they are sick.
  • Clean surfaces in your home, and personal items such as cell phones, using regular household products.
  • Avoid large gatherings and crowded public places.
  • Be calm and prepared.
  • People who are not sick do not need face masks to protect themselves from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. Ill people should wear a mask to protect family members or in any scenario where needed to prevent the spread of germs.
  • Practice social distancing – Avoid crowded public places (shopping centers, movie theaters, concerts, etc.), avoid large gatherings, and maintain distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.
  • FEMA: Guidance for COVID-19 preparedness
  • CDC: Getting your household ready for COVID-19

Higher risk people

• Certain people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, including:
  • Older people (over age 60), especially those over 80.
  • People who have chronic medical conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease or diabetes.
  • Older people with chronic medical conditions are at the highest risk.
  • People at higher risk should take action now to be prepared for this virus if there is an outbreak in their community.
  • Everyone’s daily preventive actions are important in reducing spread to people who may experience more severe illness.
  • More guidelines from the CDC for higher risk populations

If you suspect you are sick

• We encourage anyone who has symptoms or believes they may have been exposed to COVID-19 to:
  • CALL OR EMAIL a healthcare provider first. If the provider recommends you get testing or care, follow the provider’s advice BEFORE going into any health facility. Ask your provider about private lab sites where you can get tested.
  • DO NOT go to an emergency room to get a test for COVID-19 unless you are having a medical emergency. For COVID-19, that means severe respiratory symptoms such as shortness or breath or breathing difficulties.
  • DO call 911 or go to an emergency room if you are having a medical emergency. Tell the dispatcher your symptoms.
• Those with mild symptoms are advised to isolate themselves from others for at least 7 days and to notify their primary care physician. Testing may or may not be readily available, but the patient should self isolate regardless if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (fever, coughing and shortness of breath). Most people will not need hospitalization. There is currently no medication or vaccination for COVID-19.

Resources and Services for Assistance

• Talking to your children about COVID-19
• A comic book for kids explaining COVID-19