Please consult reliable medical resources
Dial 2-1-1- to get important COVID-19Â information in English and Spanish.
The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center takes COVID-19 calls from Arizona providers and the general public: 1-844-542-8201
Follow guidelines and recommendations from:
- Arizona Department of Health Services
- Maricopa County Public Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Maintain social distancing
The Arizona Department of Health Services recommends:
- Stay home as much as possible.
- If you are sick, stay home unless medical attention is required.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds (if soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol).
- Avoid large gatherings or crowded areas (e.g., crowded stores, long food pickup lines, parties, non-essential travel).
- In all activities, maintain a six-foot distance from others.
Learn more about physical distancing in this blog post by Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Tired of being stuck at home? Here’s a powerful video from Ohio showing why we need to keep doing it.
Social distancing works. We are all #InThisTogetherOhio. https://t.co/jU4ZAkm3Py pic.twitter.com/uKJtfi4cuP
— Ohio Dept of Health (@OHdeptofhealth) April 9, 2020
RELATED:
- Q&A with pediatrician Dr. Rajeev Agarwal, who urges social distancing and shares how to talk to kids about the global pandemic
- Tips for protecting Arizona families from coronavirus
Wear cloth face masks when you must be out in public
The CDC is now recommending wearing a cloth face covering when you are away from home to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams made a video to show how easy it can be to make a mask at home.
#DYK? @CDCgov‘s recommendation on wearing a cloth face covering may help protect the most vulnerable from #COVID19.
Here’s how you can make one today, in just a few easy steps: pic.twitter.com/eFuE7Brw0J
— U.S. Surgeon General (@Surgeon_General) April 4, 2020
What if you are sick, or exposed to someone with the virus?
For most of us with mild symptoms, getting tested won’t change treatment. Whether you have another flu-like virus or COVID-19, the vast majority of people do very well recovering at home and symptoms can be treated with over-the counter medicines.
If you feel like your symptoms are worsening, especially if you have difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider or seek medical attention. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead to tell them about your symptoms and any recent travel.
If you fear you have been exposed, stay home until you are sure you are not infected. Symptoms including fever, cough, or shortness of breath can appear anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure.
— Source: Maricopa County Public Health
RELATED:
- Dignity Health is offering free “virtual care” visits.
- Governor Doug Ducey expands telemedicine coverage for Arizonans
- CDC: Ten things you can do to manage your health at home if you have COVID-19
- CDC: How to disinfect your home if someone is sick
- The World Health Organization has information related to pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding in the COVID-19 era.
Manage your own stress and anxiety
Research has found that when families are stressed, children are at an increased risk of being abused. The situation can be exacerbated when entire communities are forced to spend long periods of time isolated at home. The nation’s pediatricians, who fear increased incidences of child abuse, offer healthy-discipline tips for parents and caregivers. We’ve added some local resources that offer support.