COVID-19


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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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A Message To Our Heroes

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.

You inspire us and give us a renewed faith in humanity. We pray that your devotion and sacrifice will never be forgotten. You are heroes forever - you are what excellence is - what goodness is - what pure love is. Thank you.




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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.



Essential Workers

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.

They work in pharmacies, hospitals, medical labs, and other medical sectors. Many, especially certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and other care providers, often work for insufficient pay in private homes and care facilities serving vulnerable seniors. Because of social distancing many seniors cannot have visitors. CNAs and care providers are their lifelines.

Other essential workers are law, fire, rescue, and safety employees, utilities employees, electricians, plumbers, exterminators, landscapers, janitorial and cleaning personnel, and those who maintain our sanitation and trash collection.

They are the amazing educators who are helping us teach our children at home. They are social service workers, animal shelter workers, dry cleaner staff, they provide customer services, they work in banks and financial sectors, they are military and government employees, they work in post offices, and they provide mail and delivery services. They work for the airlines.

They work in grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations. They are farmers, farm workers, and food processing workers. They are truck drivers, bus drivers, and other ground transportation employees. They work in the media. They are the countless volunteers diligently working to help in the fight against COVID-19.

We apologize to all essential workers we did not mention. This is definitely an incomplete list.




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A Message To
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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A Message To
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 Information

COVID-19 is a novel (new) coronavirus that has not been previously identified.

On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak. The new name is abbreviated as COVID-19.

In COVID-19, 'CO' stands for 'corona,' 'VI' for 'virus,' and 'D' for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as 2019 novel coronavirus or 2019-nCoV. The pandemic disease started in Wuhan, China in late 2019. COVID-19 is a pandemic because it is a disease prevalent around world.




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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.

Wearing cloth face coverings is a vital public health measure all people should respect to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in addition to (not instead of) social distancing, frequent hand cleaning, and other everyday preventive actions.




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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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Bake with your children.



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Help your children make breakfast.



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Provide your children arts and crafts supplies.



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Draw masterpieces with your children.



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Display your child's crafts.



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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.

Admit to your children that this is a frightening time for many people, and have conversations that are appropriate for their age and their comprehension level. Reassure your children and relieve their fears.

Your children may have heard rumors, propaganda, and false information. Make sure that you explain to them that you do not blame specific people for COVID-19, including those in a cultural, racial, or ethnic group. It is very important that you help them understand the facts, again, in a way that is appropriate for their age and their comprehension level.

Explain why your family is taking precautions to stay well, and make sure your children know they may talk with you anytime about how they feel. Limit your children's exposure to news on TV and try to avoid adult conversations about COVID-19 and your own worries about economic challenges.

In your home establish a new routine that your children can depend upon. Provide plenty of educational and fun outlets to be creative.

If someone in your family becomes ill with COVID-19, help your children understand why the person must be quarantined. If at all possible help your children maintain contact with the person through phone calls or video chats.




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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.

BE PREPARED: Make sure everyone in your household has access to several weeks of medications, food, and supplies.




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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.

LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS: Create a list of local organizations that you can contact if you need access to information, healthcare services, support, and resources.




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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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PLEASE DON'T DRINK BLEACH



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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.

Do not, under any circumstance, introduce bleach or other disinfectants into your body. These substances are poisonous. If ingested they can cause damage to your eyes, skin, mouth, throat, and internal organs. They will not kill the virus in your body and will seriously harm your internal organs. They can lead to disability and death.




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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

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Myth: At this time there is no proof that hydroxychloroquine cures or prevents COVID-19.

Misusing hydroxychloroquine can cause serious side effects, illness, and death. Seek emergency medical attention immediately or call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of hydroxychloroquine can be fatal and must be treated quickly. You may be told to induce vomiting before being transported to an emergency room.

Myth: Ultra-violet (UV) lamps should not be used to disinfect hands or other areas of your skin. UV radiation can cause skin irritation and damage your eyes.

Myth: Hand dryers are not effective in killing COVID-19. 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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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.

Myth: Taking a hot bath/shower will not prevent COVID-19. Your normal body temperature remains approximately 36.5ºC to 37ºC, regardless of the temperature of your bath/shower. Taking a bath/shower with extremely hot water can be harmful. It can burn you.

Myth: Regularly rinsing your nose with saline will not protect you from COVID-19. Regularly rinsing your nose with saline may help you recover more quickly from the common cold. However, it has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections.




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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.

Fact: Vaccines against pneumonia and influenza do not provide protection against COVID-19. COVID-19 is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Although pneumonia and influenza vaccines are not effective against COVID-19, vaccinations against respiratory illnesses are recommended to protect your health.

Fact: Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating COVID-19? No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. COVID-19 is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalized with COVID-19, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.

Myth: COVID-19 cannot be transmitted through mosquito or tick bites. At this time, CDC has no data to suggest that mosquitoes or ticks spread COVID-19 or other similar coronaviruses. The main way COVID-19 spreads is from person to person, especially from people who do not wear a face mask.




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Myth: COVID-19 is not transmitted through houseflies.



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Myth: Adding hot peppers to food does not prevent or cure COVID-19 it just makes food taste better.

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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.

CDC estimates that during the entire 2018 - 2019 season an estimated 35.5 million people became ill with influenza, with 16.5 million going to a health care provider, 490,600 being hospitalized, and 34,200 people died from influenza.

Americans infected by COVID-19, in a little longer than its first three months: One million infected, and over 60,000 lives lost.




Images Combined By Tim Christensen

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May They Never Be Forgotten

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.

Sobering Numbers

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.

He was one of the leading researchers during the AIDS epidemic in the early 1980s. As a scientist and serving as the head of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the NIH Dr. Fauci made significant contributions to HIV/AIDS research and other immunodeficiencies.

Dr. Fauci is an advocate of ongoing social distancing efforts to combat COVID-19. He rejects the theory that COVID-19 was created in a Chinese lab. He says available evidence on the origins of the COVID-19 is "totally consistent with a jump of a species from an animal to a human."

Dr. Fauci says there is proof that the antiviral drug remdesivir can block COVID-19. The Food and Drug Administration granted an emergency order for the use of remdesivir in COVID-19 patients after a study earlier this week showed the drug posed no significant health concerns.


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 Allergy and Infectious Disease
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.

"Early reports overwhelmingly show that COVID-19 is disproportionately infecting and killing minorities across the nation. And sadly - but not surprisingly - what we're seeing reflects long-standing inequities in our health care and economic systems." - Sen. Kamala Harris




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04-30-20 Gov. Newsom

CA COVID-19 Response


COVID-19 Testing

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.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. Your local health departments and healthcare providers will determine who needs testing and hospitalization on a case-by-case basis.

COVID-19 Tracing

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."

Stacey Abrams
American politician, lawyer, and author


COVID-19
HOW WE CAN HELP



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World Central Kitchen

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.



Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
COVID-19 Fund


Center for Disaster Philanthropy

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.



Center for Disaster Philanthropy


GetUsPPE.org

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

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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No Kid Hungry

Share Our Strength - No Kid Hungry
Help Kids Affected by COVID-19


No Kid Hungry


Wholesome Wave

Wholesome Wave is committed to the underserved during the COVID-19 crisis.



Wholesome Wave COVID-19




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Due to COVID-19, there is a critical need for blood. Please schedule an appointment to donate.



American Red Cross


Mental Health

Please visit this CDC web page for important information about how you can maintain mental health during this COVID-19 epidemic.



CDC COVID-19 Mental Health



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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.


1-800-273-8255

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline



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