HOPE worldwide Update: Corona Virus (COVID 19) Guidance, Advisory And Available Resources .

Dear Friends of HOPE worldwide,

​As you are all aware, the situation with the novel Corona Virus (COVID 19) is rapidly changing.  China is seeing a reduction in new infections while other areas are growing in the number of cases of the virus. There are many guidance documents and web pages being published every day. The following advice and links may be helpful to you as we ride out this storm!

Don’t: OVER or UNDER react. Do: BE AWARE and ACT by staying informed through reliable information that is regularly updated:

• Department of Health Website is a very helpful guide: DHHS’s webpages for community and the healthcare workers 
• The World Health Organisation gives a global picture (www.who.int)
• The Centers for Disease Control in America (www.cdc.gov) that have maps on their web pages highlighting the latest outbreak locations and severity.
• John Hopkins University shows a world map with all cases of COVID19 and is updated regularly. (https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html)
• If  you are in an area of the world that has had a community outbreak, you should seriously consider temporarily suspending public events. In any case follow the advice of local government for public events.
• Be vigilant and to prioritize safety as you make decisions. Your safety and the safety of your staff, volunteers and the communities you serve should always be your biggest concern.

• If you are holding an event, you should follow best practices for a safe and healthy event that should include the following:
  • If someone is sick, they should stay at home (e.g. any flu like symptoms, cough/sore throat/fever/fatigue). If they attend, respectfully send them home.
  • Ensuring handwashing stations are readily available.
• If you are worried and don’t know what your risk is, follow the self-assessment for risk (attached) 

Adopt The Following General Guidelines:

Follow healthy and hygienic daily practices.

1. Eat healthy, stay hydrated and rest well.
2. Stay home, especially if you are sick! In the current situation even if it is a mild illness, best to wait till you have recovered
3. If you have mild symptoms, you don’t necessarily need to see a doctor
4. If you are moderately unwell or concerned about your health, then see your health provider (e.g. GP, after hours services like National Home Doctor, Emergency Department of a hospital etc.)
5. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.  Alcohol-based hand sanitizers should be used to supplement, NOT replace, regular hand washing with soap and water. 
   
   

Reduce your risk of exposure.

1. Follow local social distancing advice
   
2. Keep your distance (about 1.5 meters) from those who may have symptoms of upper respiratory illness. Avoid shaking hands or other close contact (greetings with kisses, hand-holding, etc.) with them.
3. Travel is currently not recommended in many areas. If you feel uncomfortable about traveling or people traveling to your location, consider holding meetings by video or phone conference.
4. Follow the travel warnings updated daily at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.
5. Unless you are sick, you do not need to wear a mask. Health workers are recommended to wear surgical masks in high risk settings such as in Emergency Departments wear there are many sick people
   

Take travel safety precautions (note local travel restrictions).

1. If you are in an area that has had a community outbreak and can delay travel by plane, do so
2. If you do travel by plane, make sure to wipe down your tray table, armrests, seat, etc. with disinfectant.
3. Stay hydrated and keep your hands clean.

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DOWNLOAD FILE:
SELF ASSESSMENT FOR RISK - COVID19 VIRUS

2001628_covid-19_self_assessment_for_risk.pdf
File Size:	72 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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If you have concerns or questions about a HOPE worldwide event or activity, please do not hesitate to contact the local HOPE worldwide Rep or email me: Mark.timlin@hopeww.org

Warm regards,
​
​Mark Timlin
Country Director, HOPE worldwide (Australia)

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