The Center for Disease Control expects that widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the United States will occur (Feb2020). In the coming months, most of the U.S. population will be exposed to this virus. Widespread transmission of COVID-19 could translate into large numbers of people needing medical care at the same time. Schools, childcare centers, and workplaces, may experience more absenteeism or closings. Mass gatherings may be cancelled or postponed. Public health and healthcare systems may become overloaded.  With an onslaught of news and information on the coronavirus pandemic, it can be challenging to know where to turn for reliable, up-to-the-minute information. To help the public better assess the news about the virus the following top resources are listed below.

Websites and phone numbers to assist with various aspects of the pandemic are listed below.

Centers for Disease Control: 800-232-4636

Additional state and county hotlines available are:

State of Michigan:  888-535-6136
Oakland County: 248-858-1000
Wayne County: 734-287-7870

Information about COVID-19 is evolving daily.  The following federal and state resources about the coronavirus COVID-19 are recommended:

Get the latest public health information from CDC:  https://www.coronavirus.gov
Get the latest research information from NIH: https://www.nih.gov/coronavirus

• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services  https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/

• Oakland County Health Division   https://www.oakgov.com/health/information/covid-19/Pages/default.aspx

• Wayne County Public Health  www.waynecounty.com

Reduce Stress in Yourself and Others

Take the following steps to reduce stress:

• Take care of your body

• Connect with others

• Take breaks/deep breaths/meditate

• Stay informed

• Avoid watching too much news

Mental health resources to help with pandemic-related fears and anxiety:

Sharing the facts about COVID-19 and understanding the actual risk to yourself and people you care about can make an outbreak less stressful. Accurate information about COVID-19 helps make people feel less stressed.  
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/share-facts.html

Reduce stress in yourself and others. Learn more about taking care of your emotional health. 
https://emergency.cdc.gov/coping/selfcare.asp

It is perfectly normal to feel anxiety during a pandemic or health crisis.  Here are some helpful ways to cope with these feelings-Coronavirus Anxiety: 4 Ways to Cope with Fear
https://psychcentral.com/blog/coronavirus-anxiety-4-ways-to-cope-with-fear/

Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks, from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
www.samhsa.gov/search

• Comics for Good has a comic series on COVID-19, along with free print-outs and coloring pages. There are translations of the comics in multiple languages as well. 

• From the National Association of School Psychologists, a parent resource for talking to children about COVID-19.

• The CDC also offers a similar guide for parents, school staff and others working with children. 

• PBS Kids offers some de-stressing activities that families can engage in together, to help manage the stress associated with widespread illness.

• St. Jude Hospital free coloring book: Learn About the Corona Virus

• Candlewick Press free downloadable book: Coronavirus: A Book for Children

• My Hero is You by Helen Patuck :  A free storybook providing an age appropriate way to learn about the Coronavirus.

Pandemic Anxiety & Stress-How to Cope

Worrying about all the news on COVID-19 and the illness it causes? Well, that makes good sense. There are so many unknowns and misinformation that it may be difficult to cope. Here you will find a list of helpful resources:

Mental Health and Coping during COVID Center for Disease Control www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html
The Covid-19 pandemic can be stress full for people.  Fear and anxiety about a new and unknown disease can be overwhelming for adults and for children. Social distancing can make people feel isolated and lonely.  Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you and the people you care about stronger. This CDC website offers tools for handling stress and were to receive professional help when needed.

Stay Home, Stay Mindful with Headspace           
https://www.headspace.com/mi
Governor Whitmer has partnered with Headspace, the popular mindfulness app, to offer Michigan residents free meditation, sleep, and movement exercises.  

Mindfulness practice can:

• Improve quality of sleep

• Reduce stress 

• Boost compassion and resilience

• Reduce negative emotions

From Apps to Expert Advice, Invaluable Resources for Well-Being During the Coronavirus Pandemic University of California San Francisco www.ucsf.edu/news/2020/04/417166/apps-expert-advice-invaluable-resources-well-being-during-coronavirus-pandemic

Our routines have definitely been disrupted, and so it became important to find ways to restructure our lives to ensure not just physical but mental health and wellness.  This article explains the impact this pandemic has made on our lives and provides helpful suggestions. 

In addition, you will get recommendations for helpful apps and web resources:

• Useful Wellness and Mental Health Apps

• Online Mindfulness Resources

• Resources for Clinical Anxiety and Mental Health Issues

• Resources for Families

• Maintaining Wellness for Older Adults and Caregivers

• Practical Resources for Low-Income & Other Groups

Coronavirus Corner – Helpful Expert Tips and Resources to Manage Anxiety
adaa.org/finding-help/coronavirus-anxiety-helpful-resources
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) created this resource page - updated daily - to provide helpful tips to help those who are struggling with coping and anxiety issues relating to the pandemic as well as general anxiety concerns. Here you will find blog posts and videos containing information you may need about the virus and helpful tips about how to prevent anxiety.

Free Online Meditation Resources for Times of Social Distancing / COVID-19 
www.awakenetwork.com
The Awake Network compiled and updates this comprehensive list of web resources of free mindfulness meditation teachings, practices, and other resources by compassionate teachers and organizations.

Here is a listing of only a few:

• Being resilient during coronavirus

• COVID-19: tools for support, compassion, and mindfulness

• Guide to well-being

• Free yoga and mindfulness for children and teens

Local Resources

Unemployment Benefits

Stay Home Safe

FEMA Covid Advisory

Stay Home, Stay Safe

COVID-19 Detroit Water

COVID-19 Energy Assistance Handout

Corona Virus Information

CE COVID-19 Update

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Update

Michigan Economic Development Corporation: Michigan business resources during COVID-19