Dear neighbors,
The COVID-19 battle is tough, and is likely to get more challenging. But we are fortunate to live in a close-knit neighborhood, and can make things easier on ourselves and our neighbors. Here is information and ideas from the best sources we can find, and a request at the end.
Scrupulously practice social distancing. It will save lives. If you do not need to go to a public place for an important purpose, stay home.
Get as much sun and fresh air as you can. Take walks or ride your bike (maintaining social distance), and relax on your front porch or on your patio when the weather allows.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms —
difficulty breathing, cough and fever, stay home, immediately isolate yourself from others and call your healthcare provider. You should never show up unannounced at a medical office or hospital. Instead, call ahead to explain your symptoms and give health care workers the ability to minimize the risk to others. If you do not have a health care provider, call the Lawrence Douglas-County health department’s coronavirus line, 785-856-4343. What to do if you think you may have COVID-19
Take care of your physical and mental health – be good to your body and mind by working out, stretching, meditating, or whatever works for you. Avoid lots of junk food, and continue your normal sleep pattern. Preventing depression in the wake of COVID-19 and COVID 19- Manage Anxiety and Stress
Ask your neighbors if they need assistance. “Help keep older relatives and neighbors self-quarantined at home. Same goes for those of any age who are immune-compromised (cancer-patients, on
immune-suppressant meds for autoimmune diseases, etc.) Pick up and deliver their groceries and prescriptions to their front-door for them.” An ER physician’s advice to the general public: How to flatten the curve
Maintain your social contacts. Stay in touch with neighbors, family and friends by social media and other means.. Do you have a friend in a nursing home or other place who cannot receive visitors? Send postcards and notes – it will mean the world to them.
Open your heart and pocketbook. Thousands of restaurant and other employees in Lawrence and perhaps some of your neighbors have lost their incomes. If you can, donate to Just Food or another organization that will help our community.
Stay in touch with what’s happening and get the latest news on how to keep you and your family healthy from Lawrence – Douglas County Public Health and the Douglas County Coronavirus Response Hub.
For updated information on the outbreak, Kansas residents can email COVID-19@ks.gov
or call 866-534-3463 (866-KDHEINF), which is staffed 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Some neighborhood residents are interested in setting up an organized system for helping each other through these tough times. If you are interested in becoming involved in this, please let us know with a reply email.
Stay safe and healthy!
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