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COVID-19

March 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is something our modern-day world has not encountered on this grand of a scale. Information is constantly evolving as we are learning more about this virus. We are hoping to provide you with some important resources to reference for the most up-to-date information and tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe.

What we have learned to be true is vigilant hand washing and social distancing will help aid in flattening the curve of spreading this virus. Staying at and working from home if you can is very important with minimizing your risk of contracting or potentially transmitting the virus to others. It will also offer some reprieve to our amazing first responders who are doing everything they can to keep us all safe right now.

We may have to social distance ourselves but there are still ways we can connect and support each other. Here are a few ways you can support those around you and still feel connected to the outside world.

  • Check in regularly with your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, elderly and loved ones who are at higher risk.
  • Challenge yourself to take a few moments to call, text, email, Facetime, set up a Zoom or Skype call, or message with people on social media forums to ensure that we routinely check in on each other and help lift each other’s spirits.
  • Send a snail mail letter or note to people you care about. It will break up your day and be a wonderful way to connect with the people you care about while we temporarily have to distance ourselves. It will surely bring a smile to their face when they check their mail.
  • Take advantage of modern technology and utilize the functionality of Zoom, Skype, Facebook messenger/video and Facetime as a means of filling your social calendar. Schedule dinner parties, game nights, wine tastings, brunch dates and movie nights to stay connected.
  • Social media have all sorts of community pages popping up to see how we can help each other during this time. Connect with others and see how you can help those around you.
  • Offer to help the elderly and immunocompromised loved ones in your life by running their errands or ordering the things they need online to be delivered to their house. They may not know how to do these things and it would aid in them not needing to leave their homes right now.

Many grocery stores are offering special shopping hours for the elderly and immunocompromised right now. If you have anyone in your life that may benefit from this service and delivery or curbside service is not an option for them, let them know so they can minimize their exposure.

If you need groceries and have to go out or are having them delivered, please watch this PSA made by a physician on how to best keep the COVID-19 virus out of your home. https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=sjDuwc9KBps

Now more than ever it is important that we support local businesses in any way that we can. Many restaurants and businesses are struggling to survive. Consider buying gift cards for future use, order curbside carryout or delivery, tip generously and follow their business social media pages to see how you can best support them. In Madison there is also a virtual tip jar that was created for anyone who wanted to tip those directly impacted with not being able to work right now in many of the restaurant or service industry establishments. If you are interested in this, feel free to check out their page.

Virtual tip jar Madison https://tipyourserver.org/MSN/

Missing the local Farmer’s Market? Us too. With the uncertainty of this virus all future winter markets and the opening of the spring markets are currently on hold. Farmer’s still however have products to sell, produce and are planting for a new season. Want to help support our local Farmer’s Market vendors? There are several ways to do so. CSA boxes are going to be important more now than ever this market season. Find a local farm to join a CSA here. https://www.csacoalition.org

During these unprecedented times Farmers are working to get creative with home delivery, e-commerce and on farm pick-up options if the markets are going to continue to be closed. There is also an emergency fund established for Farmer’s that you can donate to. Go to the Dane County Farmer’s Market link provided here to see more about how you can support our local farmer’s, donate and sign-up for their weekly newsletter with up to date information. https://hbr.org/2020/03/that-discomfort-youre-feeling-is-grief?fbclid=IwAR3I-Ne0TmahDef5eCybMpeiVNcAghJLmM-erB70rY1VXpU3vyOEtc3uepI

Right now, as humans we are being asked to wear many hats. It can be overwhelming and difficult to process. Remember to be kind to yourself. If you are having a difficult time putting your thoughts and feelings into words, that is okay. Here is a link to an article that may be helpful and put things in perspective. https://hbr.org/2020/03/that-discomfort-youre-feeling-is-grief?fbclid=IwAR3I-Ne0TmahDef5eCybMpeiVNcAghJLmM-erB70rY1VXpU3vyOEtc3uepI

If there is something that can go just as far as hand washing and social distancing right now it is love and kindness. Please be extra kind to everyone you encounter. We are so grateful to everyone working hard on the frontlines to help us all during these trying times. The outpouring of love and support we have witnessed throughout this last week for humans helping each other is truly remarkable and inspiring.

Please stay healthy, take care and be well.

 

Helpful Resources for JD McCormick Residents:

CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

WHO website https://www.who.int

State of Wisconsin Governor Evers Safer At Home Order (3/24/20) https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/282deef

Wisconsin Department of Health Services https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov

Public Health Madison and Dane County https://publichealthmdc.com/coronavirus

Public Health of Waukesha County https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/COVID19

NAMI of Dane County https://www.namidanecounty.org/covid19

NAMI of Waukesha County https://www.namiwaukesha.org