COVID-19-Related Updates
March 20, 2020This evening I am sending out various updates from:
- Governor Lamont (Stamford Advocate)
- Volunteering
- SIlverSource
- DPH on PPE needs
- UN Foundation
- Stamford Museum & Nature Center
Per the Stamford Advocate: "After announcing the state’s fourth COVID-19 fatality, a Norwalk woman in her 80s, Gov. Ned Lamont on Friday ordered that non-essential workers, public and private, stay home to promote social distancing and slow the spread of the coronavirus."
Please read the Stamford Advocate article here.
If you have a medical background and would like to volunteer you should reach out to your local health department or district. Please follow this link to identify the department or district that serves your area: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Local-Health-Admin/LHA/Local-Health-Administration---Site-Map.
SilverSource has been a leading resource for seniors in need in Stamford and right now, during this COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, is no exception.
Currently, SilverSource services include:
- Individual Assistance & Emergency Support: Program continues to serve seniors in need with housing stability and healthcare needs. Social work consultations are currently taking place by phone.
- Prescription Deliveries: Seniors currently on the prescription program will continue to receive their medications with the support of pharmacy delivery services.
- Grocery Deliveries: SilverSource has responded to the COVID-19 crisis with a pop-up food pantry/distribution center to support homebound seniors with grocery deliveries. Volunteers and staff are making front door drop-offs, and also using delivery services.
- Medical Transportation: We continue to provide free transportation to essential medical appointments (dialysis, chemotherapy, etc.), implementing a phone screening process to ID clients who may be symptomatic (to be directed elsewhere), and a rigorous wipe-down protocol of the transport vehicle between individual passenger trips.
Senior Wellness Check-ins: Staff and volunteers have activated a remote check-in program, connecting with older clients by phone to ensure they are well and reduce isolation.
For more information please click here if you know someone that needs help or wants to volunteer, please have them call (203) 324-6584.
Department of Public Health provides status update on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
On March 11, 2020, the Connecticut Department of Public Health submitted its first request for resources from the Strategic National Stockpile. This request was made through the federal Department of Health and Humans Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (HHS/ASPR).
The first shipment is expected to be received in the coming days. The following chart provides a description of what is anticipated in the first shipment:
Once received these resources will be distributed on a priority basis to ensure medical providers, hospitals, emergency medical responders (including first responders who provide emergency medical response), and other stakeholders can continue to provide essential services. A distribution strategy has been developed through existing channels utilizing the Connecticut National Guard and other partners. The Department of Public Health in collaboration with partner agencies is currently in the process of developing an algorithm to identify the level and urgency of all requests to ensure the PPE supplies we receive are appropriately conserved and allocated. Governor Lamont and state officials are strongly urging providers and users of PPE to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conserve PPE already on hand.
This United Nations Foundation newsletter is providing the latest news and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak.
"This pandemic affects all of us, and there are things we can all do to help fight it. During such uncertain times we’re sincerely grateful to the more than 175,000 individuals, businesses and organizations who have contributed to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund in support of the World Health Organization (WHO), that we helped launch just last week. When we act together, change happens."
WHO’S ADVICE FOR THE PUBLIC
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, seek medical care early and call in advance: Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
See more basic protective measures from WHO >>
When to use a mask: If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected COVID-19 infection. Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
How to put on, use, take off and dispose of a mask >>
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FROM WHO
COVID-19 situation dashboard >>
SUPPORT THE GLOBAL EFFORT TO FIGHT COVID-19
The COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund is a secure way for individuals, philanthropies and businesses to contribute to WHO’s global effort to respond to the pandemic.
Donations directly support WHO’s work to track and understand the spread of the virus; to ensure patients get the care they need, and frontline workers get essential supplies and information; and to accelerate efforts to develop vaccines, tests, and treatment.
GO DEEPER ON THE ISSUE
WE CAN’T STOP THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC WITHOUT A COORDINATED, GLOBAL RESPONSE: Individuals and companies have stepped up quickly with donations to COVID-19–a true show of solidarity during a very uncertain time. Read more on the UNF Blog >>
14 WAYS YOU CAN HELP FIGHT THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC: The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the lives of people around the world. Luckily, there are ways you can help out those who are affected by the outbreak, even if you’re working from home. View the Fast Company article >>
11 THINGS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT GETTING THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS: As the coronavirus spreads, it’s become a nationwide crisis that could severely strain the U.S.’ health care system. We need to take collective measures now to protect ourselves and others. View the Vox article >>
WHY OUTBREAKS LIKE CORONAVIRUS SPREAD EXPONENTIALLY, AND HOW TO “FLATTEN THE CURVE”: COVID-19 is spreading through our human networks — through our countries, our towns, our workplaces, our families. A single person’s behavior can cause ripple effects that touch faraway people. View the Washington Post simulation> >>
IT’S TIME TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT SOCIAL DISTANCING. HERE’S HOW: By now, you've heard the advice that to slow the spread of the coronavirus in the U.S., communities will need to practice social distancing. But if you're confused as to what that looks like in practice, NPR has some answers. Read more from NPR >>
WHO LAUNCHES HISTORIC FUNDRAISING EFFORT: WHO has launched a first-of-its-kind fundraising drive for companies, philanthropies and individuals to contribute to as it continues to fight the growing coronavirus pandemic. View the Time article >>
In solidarity,
United Nations Foundation
Finally, from the Stamford Museum & Nature Center:
THE STAMFORD MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER
IS NOW CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
With the declared state of emergency in Connecticut due to the COVID-19 virus and our clear focus on assisting with containment, we are closing our entire site to the public beginning on Friday, March 20, 2020.
Our first concern is the health, safety, and well-being of our staff, patrons, and the public we serve. With your generosity, care, and cooperation, we will all get through this challenge together.
And of course, essential farm, education, and operations staff will be taking care of ALL of our beautiful Heckscher Farm, Heckscher WILD! and classroom animals to keep them safe and happy while awaiting your return.
THE GOOD NEWS
The SM&NC Education Team will be running Facebook Live classes at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily, beginning, Friday, March 20.
The following Stamford Museum & Nature Center Programs have been cancelled or postponed:
- Our Art, Nature & Me Pre-School is closed through at least April 13, 2020.
- Wonder Art Parent-Child programs have been rescheduled for June 9-25.
- March 19: LaRocca’s Country Market Wine & Food Pairing is postponed.
- March 20: Astronomy Night @ the Farmhouse is postponed.
- March 26: Global Garden Resonant Beauty Opening Reception is cancelled.
- Global Garden Resonant Beauty: A solo exhibition of orchid paintings by Patricia Laspino is postponed.
- April 3-5; 10-11: Forest Easter Egg Adventure is being reimagined and is rescheduled for September 4-6; 11-12.
- April 7-9: Take a Hike Week is cancelled.
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is cooperating with all federal, state, and city directives regarding public safety. YOU MUST DO YOUR PART. The CDC safety recommendations are as follows:
- Stay home when you are sick or any family members are sick.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating, after use of bathroom, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Please use these additional resources for more information: