NEWS: New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy ordered residents to stay home, banned all gatherings and told nonessential retail businesses to close by 9 p.m. Saturday in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The governor announced Saturday that there had been five more deaths from the virus, for a total of 16 in the state. At that time there were more than 440 new positive tests for a total of more than 1,300, something he attributed to testing in the state that had been “ahead of the curve.”
Important Facts:
-Although COVID-19 is a highly infectious virus, it doesn’t mean that if you are in a room with someone who has the virus you will automatically get it.
-Research has shown so far that the chances are only 1 to 5%. That is, if you are not in close contact with someone who has the virus and has sneezed or coughed in your immediate presence or you have touched a surface that the infected person has touched.
-The virus is not an airborne pathogen. This means that it is not carried in the air. It is only carried on droplets from an infected person. It does not stay in the air that long. Again, this means you would have to be in the vicinity of someone who has just coughed or sneezed, and you walked or stood right by that person.
-A recent study has shown that if you are infected and recover, you are immune from contracting the virus again.
-Another study from Germany has shown that after 10 days from when your symptoms begin, you cannot transmit the virus for anyone else.
Please note that these are all preliminary studies!!
Today we would like to focus on dealing with stress and anxiety during this pandemic.
Stress and coping
Older people are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 which may result in increased stress during a crisis.
Fear and anxiety about the COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions.
Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.
People who may respond more strongly to the stress of a crisis include
Older people and people with chronic diseases who are at higher risk for COVID-19
Children and teens
People who are helping with the response to COVID-19, like doctors and other health care providers, or first responders
People who have mental health conditions including problems with substance use
Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include
Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
Changes in sleep or eating patterns
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
Worsening of chronic health problems
Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
Things you can do to support yourself
Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media.
Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
Take care of your body.
Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals,
Exercise regularly,
Get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and drugs.
Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.
Do not obsess over things you cannot control. All we can do now to prevent the spread of the virus is follow the CDC Guidelines of social distancing and frequent washing of hands etc. (see previous email for CDC guidelines.)
Reduce stress in yourself and others
Sharing the facts about COVID-19 and understanding the actual risk to yourself and people you care about can make an outbreak less stressful.
When you share accurate information about COVID-19 you can help make people feel less stressed and allow you to connect
Seek help when needed– If distress impacts activities of your daily life for several days or weeks, talk to a clergy member, counselor, or doctor, or contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-985-5990. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
The Board of Trustees would like to Thank Sheldon for providing the above information for our homeowners and would like to remind you of the below listed resources.
Monroe Township Updates – https://monroetwp.com
Official New Jersey Information
COVID-19 Information Hub: www.covid19.nj.gov
General Questions 2-1-1 (from 7:00am – 11:00pm)
Clinical Questions 800-962-1253 (24 hours / 7days)
Receive Alerts on cell phone Text: NJCOVID to 898-211
General Reminders
Wash hands thoroughly for 30 seconds
Stay inside unless absolutely necessary
Go outside for solo exercise
Check for illness of visitors and aides
Don’t visit homes with multiple people
Maintain six feet distance from others
Have anyone suspected of illness wear a mask
Don’t put hands in your face
Avoid public transportation
