Follow these guidelines to protect yourself,
​your family and your community from COVID-19.

Due to the rapid escalation of COVID-19 cases across the country, in our state and our District and the proportionately small number of individuals that are actually being tested in CT, we need to move to a model that assumes that anyone suffering fever, cough or difficulty breathing has COVID-19.
​
Please study this simple chart below to help you determine what actions you and your family need to take to protect yourselves and slow the spread of this virus in our communities.
​
                    Remember – We are in this together!

Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick 

News: Click here​ for the latest information and resources on coronavirus  (COVID 19) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Click here for the Connecticut Health Department latest news about coronavirus COVID 19​​

Emergency Orders issued by the Governor and State Agencies
​Last Updated On: March 30th 2020
Resources for...
General Public
FVHD routinely recommends these strategies for all-hazards preparedness.
https://www.ready.gov/pandemic

​People at Higher Risk and Special Populations
Older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions seem to be at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness. If you are an older adult or someone who has severe chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease, or diabetes, you are at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. It is very important for you to take steps to stay healthy.​

​Seniors
​See the guidance for People at Higher Risk and Special Populations.
Checklist for Older Persons

Children
Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases to date. ​
​Tips to keep children healthy while school’s out

​K-12 Childcare and Schools
​Schools should continue to collaborate, share information, and review plans with local health officials to help protect the whole school community, including those with special health needs.
​
What to do if you need childcare:
The Farmington Valley Health District is consulting with childcare providers who wish to remain open for parents that must go to work and have no alternative.  This includes parents who work in healthcare and first responders. For people who are unable to secure a childcare plan, call 2-1-1 to identify open spaces for care near your work or home. Click here for more guidance regarding childcare. ​​

Childcare Provider Resources
​
​Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations
​Current evidence suggests that novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in community settings.

Businesses
​This guidance may help prevent workplace exposures to acute respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, in non-healthcare settings. The guidance also provides planning considerations if there are more widespread, community outbreaks of COVID-19.

Institutes of Higher Education
Encourage students, staff, and faculty to promote everyday preventive health behaviors on your campus:
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. If you don’t have a tissue, cough and sneeze into the inside of your elbow, not your hands.
  • Stay home when sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces following CDC guidance for cleaning and disinfection​
​
​Community and Faith Based Leaders
Identify actions to take if you need to temporarily postpone or cancel events, programs, and services. Consider limiting access to your organization by non-essential visitors.

​Homeless Shelters
​Identify those who could be at high risk for complications from COVID-19 (those who are older or have underlying health conditions) to ensure their needs are taken into consideration.
​
​First Responders and Law Enforcement
​Law enforcement who must make contact with individuals confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 should follow CDC’s Interim Guidance for EMS. Different styles of PPE may be necessary to perform operational duties.

​Quarantined or Isolated Individuals
Household members should follow home care guidance when interacting with persons with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 and their isolation rooms/bathrooms.

Long Term Care, Assisted Living, & Independent Living Facilities 
Visitation policies  have recently changed. Please call your loved one's facility for updates.

Mental Health Resources
​CALL THE NAMI HELPLINE
800-950-NAMI
info@nami.org M-F, 10 AM - 6 PM ET FIND HELP IN A CRISIS 

Call your healthcare provider if stress reactions interfere with your daily activities for several days in a row.
​OR TEXT "NAMI" TO 741741
.
Last Updated On: March 30th 2020
HAVE YOU BEEN IN NYC IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS?

The cases of COVID-19 in NYC are increasing more rapidly than anywhere else in the United States.  This means that individuals who have spent time in NYC are at greater risk of having been exposed to the virus.  If you have been to NYC in the past two weeks,  you are being urged to self quarantine for 14 days from the date of your return to prevent the spread of the virus.  This means:
  • Check your temperature in the morning and evening
  • Watch for other symptoms
  • Is symptoms develop—Isolate yourself from household members
  • Avoid going out and being in groups


For more information about what self-quarantine means please see CDC website:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html


​People who are at higher risk for severe illness
​
Based on current information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Based upon available information to date, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include:
  • People aged 65 years and older
  • People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
  • Other high-risk conditions could include:
    • People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
    • People who have serious heart conditions
    • People who are immunocompromised including cancer treatment
    • People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] >40) or certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as those with diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease might also be at risk
  • People who are pregnant should be monitored since they are known to be at risk with severe viral illness, however, to date data on COVID-19 has not shown increased risk
Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications.


​COVID-19 Testing
If your symptoms are consistent with coronavirus (COVID-19) please contact your physician to inquire about testing.
​
FVHD Operations
To: Residents and Customers of the Farmington
Valley Health District

From: Farmington Valley Health District (FVHD)

In response to COVID-19 outbreak, effective immediately, FVHD asks that you do as much paperwork as possible through electronic means, i.e. phone 860-352-2333, email, (a list of staff email addresses can be found on our website www.fvhd.org), fax 860-352-2542 and USPS.

Credit card payments can be made over the phone, and we accept checks through the mail. All applications and FVHD files can be viewed and downloaded from www.fvhd.org. Take note that processing time for applications of any kind will be much longer than usual as all non-essential work is not being completed at this time. We greatly appreciate your cooperation to help us slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

IF, you must come into our office, please use the dedicated area to complete paperwork.


DO NOT ENTER OUR OFFICE IF YOU ARE SICK.


                                 

​Mobile Foodshare
The mobiles are still running!  We strongly encourage everyone to sign-up for mobile texting for the most up-to-date information. All meal programs and pantries are updating Connecticut 211. Visit www.211ct.org/ and Text Foodshare to 85511 for more updates and information.


My child relies on the school system for his/her nutritional needs. Now what do I do?
Government and health officials are working together to implement measures to provide for the health, nutrition, safety, educational needs and wellbeing of children during the class cancellation period. 

Mobile Food Pantry Schedule
Farmington Food Pantries 
Search for a Food Pantry in Your City

​
CT 211
The state of Connecticut is launching an information hotline for questions from the public about the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). People who have questions can call 2-1-1 or text “CTCOVID” to 898211.

211 of Connecticut General Information for Connecticut


 
Other Considerations:
Who is most at risk for coronavirus?
Guidance for Travelers

​
Be Prepared for Coronavirus COVID 19
Have a checklist of supplies for your home.
Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces.

What You Can Do:
​
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Visit​ this link to learn more about what you can do to get your household ready for coronavirus COVID-19 
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
    • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
    • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to  others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.​​



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