Make A COVID19 Action Plan
Knowing Can Be Scary But Having The Right Info Can Ease Your Fears
I recently completed a contact tracing certification and it really got me thinking about being prepared. Some of the things the training made me think about were the stigma’s of contracting the virus, how overwhelming or scary it could feel and getting the right information and resources to people. Since the start of the pandemic, though it was scary at first to delve into all of the information about the virus, I began to feel comforted by the knowledge. Things that comfort me lately is knowing that wearing good masks properly can help a lot, hospital workers are getting better at knowing how to manage and treat the virus and the vaccine is looking pretty good! I also stay grounded in the reality that nothing is 100% and that we should also stay cautious and responsible despite all of the recent advancements. Things will take time to change and there is only so much we can control. Being exposed to COVID is something very real that can happen.
People can experience a lot of fear and resistance to being asked to isolate or quarantine for such extended amounts of time. When a contact tracer gets in touch with you to inform you of your exposure, they cannot tell you the identity of who you were in contact with that tested positive. They also will not disclose your identity or info when they contact your recent contacts. So rest assured on privacy! Other things to keep in mind are that even if you don’t have any symptoms, it doesn’t mean you won’t in a few days, therefore you still have to isolate because you could potentially spread the virus despite not ever getting sick. If you’re not prepared, having to isolate could feel really restrictive and overwhelming. Preparing could potentially mean you’ll have less things to worry about and more energy to put towards recovering or helping a member of your household recover.
I hear a lot of people talk about fear in the negative. In Chinese Medicine, emotions are not necessarily negative or positive. It is important to feel what you feel! Most of the time your feelings are likely appropriate for the situation. Feeling certain emotions is a natural response, especially when we are collectively experiencing a global pandemic, which we have not ever experienced before! When your fears are controlled, you exhibit caution. Caution is so useful in times like these! If you experience extreme emotions inappropriately or for too long they can cause damage to your qi and immunity. This is when acupuncture can really help you! As someone who likes to be cautious, it means I also like to be prepared and I have never regretted it in the past! Please use this list to help you think ahead!
10 Tips To Help Create A COVID19 Action Plan
1. Keep approximately 2 weeks of non-perishable food stocked and 1 week of refrigerated foods.
2. Make a list of no-contact delivery services for take out, groceries and other household needs. Download their apps and get some what familiar with costs and how to use the apps. (But if you did #1 then you might not need all these apps!) And/Or identify a list of neighbors, friends or family members who might be able to help you by doing no-contact drop offs if needed.
3. If you have children or pets, make a back up plan and a back up for the back up plan with god parents, baby sitters, relatives and dog walkers. Check in with them every once in a while to see how they’re doing and to also make note in case their situations change. NYC has a pet care program for those who have tested positive with COVID and need pet care assistance.
4. Have an official discussion with the people you live with and make a detailed plan for the what if’s. Agree to a household protocol of how you will isolate and rules about common spaces and how you’ll be able to help each other safely. You can also include in your plan NYC’s free hotel resource.
5. Review your state’s current guidelines on testing and isolation. (Here is NYC’s guidelines.) Review current information about the virus. There is new information all the time, it’s important to keep up with current guidelines on isolation, testing and what it all means. If you’re not sure, discuss your concerns with your primary care doctor.
6. I know this one will be difficult for some, but try to square a way a little extra cash in the case you will be out of work for 10-14 days for isolation or too sick to get projects done.
7. Make a streaming playlist and other activities you can do while you are in isolation.
8. Talk to your primary care doctor about making a plan and being better prepared.
9. Make sure you already have: a thermometer and pulse oximeter (very important to monitor these things if you’re sick!), vitamin C, D, zinc, Airborne, pedialyte for hydration. Other cold and flu remedies could help, but consult your doctor, especially if you’re on medications or have underlying conditions. P.S. In NYC, you can get a thermometer and pulse oximeter sent to you when you speak with your contact tracer!
10. If you’re in NY/NJ you can make an herbal consultation appointment with me so that we can make a herbal plan for you as well. “Just in case” formulas were important to already have on hand when people got sick. Getting herbs into your system is going to be key because symptoms can progress rapidly and current guidelines are to stay at home unless you are in respiratory distress or it is a medical emergency. The right herbal formula can help to shorten your sick time and prevent it from getting more severe. I am able to do same day drop offs for a small fee to those in Manhattan and certain parts of Queens or Brooklyn for these more pressing situations.
*As always this is not medical advice but just a list of resources and things to think about. If you do come down with symptoms or are exposed you should also consult with your primary care doctor. If you’re having trouble breathing or have more severe symptoms, seek emergency care. Find a testing site near you. Remember COVID-19 testing is FREE in NYC whether you have insurance or not. And New Yorkers - We have a lot of free resources and services in regards to COVID-19, so please ask your contact tracers for more info! This site has some good info that can also be helpful,
Holiday Safety Reminders
I know its tough to miss traveling or seeing some of your relatives during the holidays. I would like to suggest trying to use this time to make things more meaningful! I think it can be a perfect time for zoom calls where you don’t just hang out but share reflections and stories. It could also be a time to create new traditions at home. If you really need to do something in-person mask up and plan a socially distanced outdoor holiday run, walk, bike ride or hike with friends.
List of Local Holiday Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer from home with Goddard Riverside Community Center
Meal delivery with God’s Love We Deliver
Donate to the Food Bank of NY
Contribute to a Trans person or kid’s Christmas list at Transanta
By Emily Grace Siy, L.Ac.
December 7, 2020