Tips for Staying Healthy During the COVID-19 Crisis

Daily Practices

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, computers, phones, keyboards, sinks, toilets and countertops.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20-30 seconds. If soap is not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Try to get regular sleep, plenty of water, and eat regular meals, if possible.
• When the weather allows, get outside for walks.

Preparing Your Families and Homes

• Try to have about 1 week- 2 weeks’ worth of food supplies and household supplies, such as toilet paper, laundry detergent, personal hygiene products, and diapers and formula.
• Try to have at least a 30 day supply of your prescription medications, and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medications, fluids with electrolytes (Gatorade, pedialyte) and vitamins. Contact your health care provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications in case you need to stay home for an extended period of time.
• When possible, consider using a mail order option to obtain medications.
• Choose a room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from those who are healthy. If possible, identify a separate bathroom for the sick person to use and plan for how to clean these rooms when someone is sick.
• Plan ways to care for those who might be at greater risk for serious complications. (Early data suggest older people, and those with underlying chronic illnesses are most susceptible to COVID-19).

Staying Connected

• Talk with your neighbors about emergency planning. If your neighborhood has a website or social media page, consider joining it to maintain access to neighbors, information and resources.
• If safe, call or video chat with your friends, family and neighbors to check in on one another and to stay connected as we are physically distancing ourselves.

Employment Concerns

• Discuss sick leave policies and telework options with your employer.
• Check out the NJ Department of Labor to learn what employment benefits you may be eligible for.
• If remote work is possible, talk to your supervisor and co-workers on ways to stay connected and supportive of one another, especially during this time.

Mental Wellness

• Take care of the emotional health of your household members. This can be stressful for adults and children. Consider limiting the amount of news coverage your children are exposed to, but be honest and reassuring about what’s happening.
• Stay calm and reassure your children that you are prepared to keep them safe. Explain to them what is happening in a way they can understand. Keep it simple and appropriate per the age of the child.
• Learn about emergency operations plans at your child’s school or childcare facility. Understand the plan for continuing education and social services (such as student meal programs) during school dismissals.