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05-03-20: The majority of our "Starry Night" creative artists and friends live in California, United States of America. Therefore, we have compiled the following document with Californians in mind. |
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However, much of this information can apply to people living anywhere. It is based on information provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and also by the World Health Organization (WHO). Our thoughts and love reaches out to our friends all over the world. We are indeed in this together. |
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Please do not listen to politicians who do not listen to science. Science does not lie. It has no agenda. Science tells the truth, even when it is brutal to hear. Listen to the scientists. Be well and stay safe. |
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We extend enormous gratefulness and appreciation to doctors, nurses, in-home and
in-facility caregivers, first responders, and essential workers who are courageously
and unselfishly jeopardizing their physical and mental health on the frontlines during
this catastrophic pandemic.
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Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the people of New York encourage the world. They have flattened the curve under your leadership. We appreciate your empathy, compassion, honesty, and intelligence. Your clear emphatic voice is a voice we need, thank you. |
Who are essential workers? It is not possible to provide the complete list of
these often-invisible frontline heroes. They are keeping our society functioning.
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The Precious People Who Have Died From COVID-19 We are devastated that many of you were not able to be with your family at the end of your lives. The tears of the world are shed for you and for your loved ones. We don't know how to comfort your family members and your friends, but we will try; we promise you that we will try. The world was a better place when you were here. God bless you. |
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Reporters & Journalists Correspondents & Commentators All Over The World Each and every day that you do your work please remember that we need you on the frontlines and in the trenches to keep us informed. We are your viewers, listeners, and readers. We depend on you and we recognize the valuable service that you provide. Thank you for your determination to uncover and share the truth. |
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COVID-19 is a novel (new) coronavirus that has not been previously identified.
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Based on current information, older adults and people of any age who have underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. A new study suggests that children are as likely as adults to be infected, but their symptoms tend to be mild. Children can transmit COVID-19. |
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You may carry the virus for two days and up to two weeks before you notice symptoms, and you may not ever notice symptoms. COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild (or no symptoms) to severe illness. |
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Social Distancing: You can become infected by coming into close contact (about six feet or two arm lengths) of a person who has COVID-19. You can become infected from respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. |
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You may also become infected by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid being exposed. |
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WEAR FACE MASKS: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone
two years and older wear a cloth face covering that covers their nose and mouth
when they are out in the community. Cloth face coverings should not be put on
babies or children younger than two because of the danger of suffocation. Children
younger than two years of age are listed as an exception as well as anyone who has
trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove
the face covering without assistance.
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A cloth face covering is not intended to protect the wearer, but may prevent the spread of virus from the wearer to others. This is especially important if someone is infected but does not have symptoms. Cloth masks are preferred for the general public, since N95 respirators are still being reserved for healthcare personnel and other first responders. |
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An N95 mask or N95 respirator is a particulate-filtering face-piece respirator that meets the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) N95 classification of air filtration, meaning that it filters at least 95% of airborne particles. |
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CHILDREN ARE WATCHING: Remember that our children are watching, listening, and paying attention to what we do. Be a good example to everyone, especially to children. None of us are exempt. Anyone can get and transmit COVID-19. It is irresponsible and selfish to not wear a mask. |
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WASH YOUR HANDS: To protect yourself against COVID-19, frequently wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Once your hands are cleaned, dry them thoroughly with paper towels or a warm air dryer. |
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When we are able to unite again without gloves, masks, and social distancing, it will be the children who heal the planet - us adults have clearly failed. |
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While school is out, children should not have in-person play dates with children from other households. If children are playing outside, it is essential that they remain six feet away from anyone who is not in their own household. Make sure children understand the various things we each can do to slow the spread of COVID-19. |
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Encourage your child to play outdoors; it is great for physical and mental health. Take a walk with your child or go on a bike ride. |
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To help children maintain social connections while social distancing, help children have supervised phone calls or video chats with family and friends. Encourage children to write cards or letters to family members and friends they may not be able to visit. |
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While self-isolating at home, teach your children a musical instrument. There are many online lessons available if you are not a musician. Call local schools, music organizations, and music stores to inquire about renting or purchasing a musical instrument. Some music organizations have loaner instruments available to youth for free or for a nominal monthly fee. |
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Like many adults, children can feel isolated and stressed about COVID-19.
Having their school routine and activities disrupted, social distancing from
family members and friends, hearing news on TV, overhearing adults talking
about COVID-19, and overhearing adults talking about economic challenges
can make a child worry that his or her world may careen out of control.
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If you have concerns about your child's emotional and mental health contact your doctor or a mental health professional. |
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HAVE A PLAN: Create a household plan of action to help protect your health and
the health of those you care about.
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NEIGHBORS: Get to know your neighbors and find out if your neighborhood has a
website or social media page to stay connected.
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EMERGENCY CONTACT LIST: Create an emergency contact list of family, friends, neighbors, health care providers, teachers, employers, your local public health department, and other local community resources. |
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PETS: At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading COVID-19. Based on limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. A small number of pets have been reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after contact with people with COVID-19. |
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Pets have other types of coronaviruses that can make them sick, like canine and feline coronaviruses. These other coronaviruses cannot infect people and are not related to the current COVID-19 outbreak. |
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However, our wonderful animals can spread diseases to people. It is wise to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals, such as thoroughly washing your hands and consistently maintaining good hygiene. |
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Until we learn more about COVID-19, it is advised that you avoid contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would with people. |
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When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you must care for your pets or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands thoroughly before and after you interact with them and wear a cloth face covering. |
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Spraying, drinking, or ingesting methanol, ethanol, bleach, or any disinfectant
into your body will not protect against COVID-19 and can be dangerous.
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Bleach, disinfectants, and cleaning products should be used to kill the virus and germs on surfaces only. Cleaning with soap and water removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. It lowers the risk of spreading infection. |
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Keep chlorine (bleach) and other disinfectants out of reach of children. Poison Help Line: 1-800-222-1222
Myth: At this time there is no proof that hydroxychloroquine cures or prevents COVID-19.
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Myth: Exposing yourself to the sun or to temperatures higher than 25ºC does not prevent COVID-19. You can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have cases of COVID-19. |
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Myth: Cold weather and snow does not kill COVID-19. The normal human body
temperature remains approximately 36.5ºC to 37ºC, regardless of external
temperature or weather.
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Myth: COVID-19 is not the flu. Research so far indicates that COVID-19 spreads more
easily and has a higher death rate than the flu/influenza.
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Myth: Adding hot peppers to food does not prevent or cure COVID-19 it just makes food taste better.
At this time the first officially recognized case of COVID-19 in the United States
occurred on January 20, 2020 in Snohomish County, Washington. As of April 29, 2020
more than one million COVID-19 illnesses and 60,000 tragic deaths (a little longer
than three months) occurred in the United States. Currently, an increasing number
of illnesses and deaths continue each day.
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The Vietnam War lasted 19 years and 180 days, with direct U.S. involvement ending in 1973. Approximately 2,700,000 beloved American men and women served in Vietnam. Tragically, one out of every ten was a casualty. 58,169 Americans were killed and 304,000 Americans were wounded. COVID-19, in a little more than its first three months, took the precious lives of 60,000 Americans. Some of the people who died from COVID-19 were veterans. The Vietnam War, in 19 years and 180 days, took the precious lives of 58,169 Americans. |
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Myth: Garlic is a healthy food that may have antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence that eating garlic can protect people from COVID-19. |
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DONATE BLOOD: Donated blood is a lifesaving, essential part of caring for patients. The need for donated blood is constant. Blood centers are open and in urgent need of donations. |
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Dr. Anthony Fauci is one of the world's leading experts on infectious diseases.
As a physician with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), he has served
American public health in various capacities for over 50 years, and has been
an advisor to every U.S. president since Ronald Reagan.
Hope For The Future Dr. Fauci says there is a chance hundreds of millions of doses of a potential COVID-19 vaccine could be available by early 2021, even though the federal government has not yet approved a vaccine. |
National Institute of Health |
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Sen. Kamala Harris is introducing a bill to address the racial disparity in
coronavirus cases. Harris's bill would establish a task force to gather data
and provide recommendations on coronavirus response for people of color who
have been disproportionately affected by the disease. Sens. Cory Booker, Michael
Bennet, Bernie Sanders, Sheldon Whitehouse, Sherrod Brown, and Tina Smith will
sponsor the bill.
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Governor Newsom has announced the COVID-19 Testing Task Force, a public-private
collaboration. Drive-through testing sites are open in several California counties.
The program will first focus on high-risk populations. They are working to rapidly
expand testing and will update eligibility criteria once more tests are available.
Testing is provided free of cost.
There are physical and digital programs being put in place to trace and monitor contacts of infected people. Infected people will be identified, quarantined, and their contacts will be traced and notified. |
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"We must cease being participants in our own oppression. Remember this in the darkest moments, when the work doesn't seem worth it, and change seems just out of reach - out of our willingness to push through comes a tremendous power - use it." American politician, lawyer, and author |
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Jose Andres' World Central Kitchen does amazing work, and has a dual focus, both on finding employment for restaurant workers, and feeding people who are in need. He's launched COVID-19 related programs in New York, California, Washington, DC, New Orleans, and Spain, and the list is growing. |
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The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have set up a COVID-19 fund (in addition to committing $100-million dollars of their own money). It may feel strange to donate money to an organization run by a family who has enormous wealth, but in terms of knowledge about, and efficacy in fighting brutal diseases around the world, the Gates Foundation is without parallel. |
COVID-19 Fund |
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy has a COVID-19 response fund set up. It is a well-run organization. It is especially good if you want your donation to touch a multitude of bases. |
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GetUsPPE.org works to get much needed protective gear to healthcare workers. They are able to accept tax-deductible donations by funneling them through an unrelated established charity, instead of filing for and then waiting to get a separate non-profit designation on their own. |
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Interaction.org has a list of organizations that are involved in COVID-19 response in different and specific ways that you may feel more of an affinity for than just doing a blanket donation. |
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Wholesome Wave is committed to the underserved during the COVID-19 crisis. |
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Due to COVID-19, there is a critical need for blood. Please schedule an appointment to donate. |
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Please visit this CDC web page for important information about how you can maintain mental health during this COVID-19 epidemic. |
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The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
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