Citizen State exists to ensure that all people have access to the basics of life so that we can thrive. From the start, quality healthcare for all has been central to our mission and now more than ever the health of our global community is of the utmost importance. The rapid spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a development we take as a serious threat to global health and as such we have put together this simple guide so that each of us may take action to mitigate the risk to ourselves and our communities.
“Limit time spent outside your home and talk to your employer about remote working for the duration of the pandemic.”
Protecting Yourself and Your Community
Currently, no vaccine exists to protect against COVID-19. So limiting its spread is essential, which takes pressure off health services and gives time for effective treatments to be developed. Most importantly, playing your part can save the lives of older people, those with compromised immunity, and underlying health conditions.
Here are 8 easy measures you can take right now:
- Limit time spent outside your home and talk to your employer about remote working for the duration of the pandemic. If you do need to leave your home for essential activities, do so at times that are less busy.
- Avoid all non-essential travel, public transportation, and public events.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds. This is most important after you’ve gone to the bathroom, before you eat, after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose, and immediately after you’ve returned to your home.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your nose, mouth, and eyes, as these are the main entry points for the virus.
- Try to stay away from those who are ill.
- If you become ill, stay at home and avoid close contact with other members of your household for 14 days. If needed, have other people drop supplies at your door to avoid all unnecessary contact.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue and promptly throw the tissue away and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm.
- Make sure to disinfect regularly touched objects and surfaces in your home with cleaning spray or a disinfectant wipe.
Common Questions
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) is an infectious disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2.
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms include fever (elevated temperature), persistent cough, and shortness of breath. Other, less common symptoms include fatigue, sputum production, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, headache, chills, nausea or vomiting, nasal congestion, diarrhoea, coughing up blood or bloody sputum, and conjunctival congestion.
Symptoms appear anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure. Some of those infected may have no symptoms, but can still pass on the virus.
What if I have any of the symptoms?
If you believe you have become infected, it is imperative that you look after both yourself and the wider community. You should:
- Seek professional medical advice as directed by your government or local administration. Always call BEFORE visiting your doctor for advice on how to proceed. In case of a medical emergency, call the emergency services (for example, 911 in the United States, or 999 in the United Kingdom).
- Self-isolate at home from others to stop the spread of the disease.
- Continue to practice good hygiene, including hand-washing and respiratory care, as above.
Do I need to wear a facemask?
You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of facemasks is crucial for healthcare workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings.
Should I stockpile essentials?
It is always important to have a supply of essentials (such as food, medicines, and cleaning products) in case of the need for self-isolation. But, mass stockpiling is unnecessary and prevents others from obtaining vital supplies. Please be kind when stocking up.
What is Citizen State doing to help during this crisis?
Citizen State is concerned about the welfare of our entire community, but also the wider community as a whole. So, we are taking the following steps:
- All Citizen State activities, meetings, and functions are suspended.
- All Citizen State community members are working on any Citizen State related activities from home.
- Citizen State will be informing the public about the status of the COVID-19 pandemic through our social media and news channels, using sound information to combat the spread of the disease.
We will also be allocating all donations received between 10th March 2020 and 11th March 2021 to our community members who are affected by the pandemic, providing as many as possible with a basic income to allow for their survival. If you feel able to donate, all amounts great and small will allow those who cannot leave their homes to continue to pay their rent or mortgage and maintain their health during this difficult time. We can’t thank you enough for your kindness and generosity. If we all pull together, we will ensure our future (you can donate from the Americas and the Caribbean here, or from Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania here).