

the coronavirus pandemic
It is very important that everyone take this outbreak very seriously. The novel coronavirus is extremely contagious, easy to spread, and potentially deadly, especially to people with pre-existing conditions and the elderly. But it can be deadly to anyone, even young, healthy people. Do not take this lightly. It is not a time to panic, but it is also not a time to ignore the warnings of medical experts.
ATLANTIC COUNTY RESOURCES
The situation with the Coronavirus COVID19 is changing daily with escalations in both testing and infections. It is critical that everyone stay calm, practice social distancing and take every precaution to keep this dangerous virus from spreading. In the meantime, here are some resources you might find helpful.
Filing For Unemployment Online
https://myunemployment.nj.gov
Business Support During the Pandemic
Open to private sector businesses including sole proprietorships, independent contractors, self-employed peoples, and private non-profits.
https://aceanj.com/business-support/index.asp#covid19
New Jersey Dept of Health | COVID-19 Updates
https://covid19.nj.gov
Telehealth and Tele-Mental Health Services
https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562020/20200322b.shtml
Jobs Portal
Health Actions to Protect You and Your Family
Employees Rights
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/posters/FFCRA_Poster_WH1422_Non-Federal.pdf

Staying healthy
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
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Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
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Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue away after use. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve, not your hands.
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Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, computers, phones, keyboards, sinks, toilets, faucets and countertops.
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If surfaces are dirty, clean them - use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. Find full information on how to disinfect here.
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Wear a facemask if you are sick. You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
Precautions for Those at Higher Risk
According to the CDC, early information shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. This includes older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease. If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to avoid getting sick.
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Stay home and avoid crowds as much as possible. Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
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When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
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Talk with your doctor about any additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.
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Stock up on supplies:
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Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time. If you cannot get extra medications, consider using a mail-order option.
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Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
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Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.
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Coping With Stress During COVID-19
For many of us, COVID-19 has disrupted our routines and made everyday activities, such as work and caring for loved ones, challenging. These changes, on top of the general uncertainty around this pandemic, can create feelings of stress, fear and nervousness. These feelings are normal, and people typically bounce back after difficult times.
The following information can help you cope with stress and support others during this emergency. It’s normal for people to have these types of feelings right now:
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Fear about running out of essential supplies.
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Anxiety, particularly about being separated from loved ones.
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Uncertainty about how long you will need to shelter at home.
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Concerns for your physical safety and that of others.
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Fear of getting sick.
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Guilt about not being able to fulfill responsibilities, such as work, parenting or caring for dependents.
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Boredom or isolation.
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Thoughts of blame, worry or fear.
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Worry about loss of income.
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Fear of being stigmatized or labeled if you become sick.