Coronavirus Community News Update: March 19, 2020


Dear DWPA Member,

This is very difficult time for us all. We have to adjust to a new reality with less social interaction and curtailed travel.

According to a Pew Poll that was released today, more than three in four Republicans believe the media has exaggerated the risk posed by the coronavirus, with more than half of GOPers (53%) suggesting that the press has "greatly" exaggerated the dangers posed by the virus. It may be the only time you hope the GOP is right, but you still must follow these guidelines: 

  • If you are elderly or have an underlying health condition, STAY HOME!

  • Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.

  • Avoid eating or drinking in bars, restaurants, and food courts – use drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options.

  • Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits

  • Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.

  • Practice good hygiene:

    • Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface.

    • Avoid touching your face.

    • Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.

    • Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.

Of great concern is the lack of testing kits. So far, testing is being restricted to those who have a doctor's order and have been cleared of other flu/viruses.  If you start having symptoms call your primary doctor OR the state helpline at 844-542-8201. Your doctor will work with local and state officials to determine if you need to be tested.  It is suggested that you don't visit urgent care or hospital without first calling your family doctor, unless it's an emergency, such as if you are having difficulty breathing.  This will help prevent spreading the virus to other patients.  Symptoms can include:

  • Fever

  • Dry cough

  • Shortness of breath

  • Aches, chills, tiredness

  • Congestion, runny nose, sore throat

  • Vomiting, diarrhea     (Courtesy of the AZ Republic)

If you are staying at home, stay engaged - read or catch up on something that is on one of your lists--maybe one that is always near the bottom. (It will give you a great deal of satisfaction when it's crossed off). Focus on helping others—even when you are at home. Call, email, write, text, Facetime—whatever suits you. I told one of my friends who lives in Colorado aboutpostcardstovoters.org. She signed up and got out her cardmaking supplies.

If you are an opera lover, here’s a link that will keep you informed about free streaming of operas from the New York Met and the Vienna Opera. 
 Schools are closed for the reminder of the month. Every city/town in the quad cities area has declared a emergency proclamation. Libraries are closed, but many will have curbside service starting this weekend. To receive information about the community services, you can refer to a special edition of Persist and Resist/Prescott Indivisible Newsletter that I pubilshed on March 17. It included community news and volunteer requests. You can link to it here. I plan on updating the Community Resource link weekly. If you want to subscribe to the newsletter that will have the Community Resources attached, drop an email to IndivisibleAZ4@gmail.com. We also plan on including the info on the DWPA website.

The Board and I send you our very best wishes. Stay safe and remain well.Maria Lynam
Chair
email: dwpa@dwpaaz.org
Facebook: DWomenofPrescott
twitter: @dwpaaz