COVID-19/Coronavirus Resources
You probably have a lot of questions about how to deal with the current situation surrounding COVID-19. Leadership comes with transparency and a desire to get you honest and immediate information. In that spirit, we've compiled some resources for you to help answer some of the most common questions we’ve heard. We are all Americans and in this together. My goal is to be here for you, your family and your business.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
According to the CDC, the following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
■ Cough
■ Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of these symptoms:
■ Fever
■ Chills
■ Repeated shaking with chills
■ Muscle pain
■ Headache
■ Sore throat
■ New loss of taste or smell
What do I do if I feel sick?
Do not panic. Your first call should be to your primary care physician, who will provide further instructions and recommendation. Do not seek care from an emergency room unless you develop emergency warning signs. According to the CDC, emergency warning signs include*:
■ Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
■ 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.
Do not leave your home except in the case of the above emergency warning signs or if you’ve been instructed by your primary care physician to seek medical care.
Food Resources
Visit our Food Resources page here.
Small Business Resources
Visit our Small Business Resources page here.
Veterans Resources
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
■ FAQs: What Veterans Need to Know
■ Veterans Health Administration COVID-19 Response Plan
■ VA Benefits and Resources Guide
■ Veterans Affairs Relief Actions - The VA is suspending certain debt collection actions during this national emergency. Find more information here.
■ Transition Resources during COVID-19
■ Find VA Location and Appointment Requirements
■ ConnectedCare and Telehealth Services
■ What to Expect When Visiting a VA Health Facility
Mental Health Resources
How can I be helpful to my community?
First, do not be dismissive of this virus or the steps necessary to prevent its spread. Work from home if your employer allows. Even if you personally do not fall in the high-risk category, failure to adhere to public health officials’ guidelines can increase the chance of transmission to a high-risk individual.
Please see here the CDC’s guidelines on protecting yourself from transmission:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html
■ Consider ordering take-out or drive-thru from local restaurants who will unfortunately be affected by the temporary restrictions on dine-in eating.
■ Check on your neighbors, particularly the elderly or vulnerable. If somebody you know feels symptoms, urge them to follow the guidelines outlined above as provided by the CDC.
■ One of the best things you can do for your community is to share information on social media – however, please be careful that the information you are sharing is accurate and coming from an established source such as the CDC, WHO, or your state and local public health professionals. Here are some links to consider sharing to your networks:
CDC COVID-19 Resources Homepage:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html
State of Texas COVID-19 Communication Toolbox:
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/tools.aspx#toolkit
Johns Hopkins Map of COVID 19:
https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6
As this situation continues to evolve, we will do our best to keep you updated with the latest accurate information. Please remember to follow the established guidelines and to take this threat seriously. Please reach out if our team can be of assistance.
Together, I am confident that we will get through this as Texans and Americans always do.