Last week, you likely carried on with your day as usual. This week, it’s a different story.
Ohioans all across the Buckeye State are adjusting their lives, schedules and habits to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. You likely have some questions about what’s safe to do and what’s not safe to do—and you’re probably wondering how you can keep your family and your finances healthy during the global pandemic. It’s a trying and uncertain time, and there are several thoughts and questions running through nearly every Ohioan’s mind that unite us all.
- What exactly is Coronavirus?
NIAID Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML), U.S. NIH/Wikimedia Commons Officially named “SARS-CoV-2,” the virus causes “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”, which is a respiratory disease that was first detected in China in 2019, according to the CDC. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can result in death.
- How do I know if I have the virus?
AND-ONE / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Common symptoms include fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. Older people and people of all ages with severe chronic medical conditions are currently more at risk. For more information visit the CDC’s website.
- How can I stay up to date with information about the Coronavirus and Ohio specifically?
MSG17, Ali Zifan/Wikimedia Commons To stay up to date on the latest recommendations and current cases in Ohio, you can visit the Ohio Department of Health’s website. You can also call the ODH coronavirus disease 2019 call center at 1-833-427-5634 from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily.
- Should I be wearing a face mask?
Shibuya246/Flickr Masks won’t help you avoid getting sick, but health experts believe they can help slow the spread of respiratory viruses if someone is already infected. Unless you are sick yourself, there is no need to wear a face mask.
- Since places are closing and restaurants are carry-out only, how long will grocery stores remain open?
Dan Keck/Flickr Although your local grocery store might be open to the public for reduced hours due to stocking and sanitizing, grocery stores will remain open. Take a deep breath—and put back that 15th can of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup.
- What on earth am I going to cook?
Old Canal Smokehouse/Facebook Good news: You won’t always have to. Order carry-out from your favorite hometown restaurant and support your local economy as much as possible during this uncertain time.
- What on earth am I going to do with all my spare time?
Wheatberry Books/Facebook Home from work for the unforeseeable future? Start a reading list. Clean out your closet. Take up a new hobby. Tackle the loads of laundry you’ve been ignoring for days on end. (Netflix and the couch aren’t going anywhere.)
- How on earth can I get out of my house without encountering crowds?
See1,Do1,Teach1/Flickr Take a hike in a park, go on a walk in your neighborhood and practice social distance in the fresh air and sunlight.
- Seriously, where did all the toilet paper go?
Mike Mozart/Flickr We’re just as baffled as you but rest assured; it will be re-stocked. In the meantime, get creative—or better yet, ask a neighbor, family member or friend for a roll or two. Be there for each other and we’ll get through this together. <3
What other questions are going through your mind as an Ohioan in light of the Coronavirus pandemic? Share your thoughts with us!
NIAID Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML), U.S. NIH/Wikimedia Commons
Officially named “SARS-CoV-2,” the virus causes “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”, which is a respiratory disease that was first detected in China in 2019, according to the CDC. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can result in death.
AND-ONE / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Common symptoms include fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. Older people and people of all ages with severe chronic medical conditions are currently more at risk. For more information visit the CDC’s website.
MSG17, Ali Zifan/Wikimedia Commons
To stay up to date on the latest recommendations and current cases in Ohio, you can visit the Ohio Department of Health’s website. You can also call the ODH coronavirus disease 2019 call center at 1-833-427-5634 from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily.
Shibuya246/Flickr
Masks won’t help you avoid getting sick, but health experts believe they can help slow the spread of respiratory viruses if someone is already infected. Unless you are sick yourself, there is no need to wear a face mask.
Dan Keck/Flickr
Although your local grocery store might be open to the public for reduced hours due to stocking and sanitizing, grocery stores will remain open. Take a deep breath—and put back that 15th can of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup.
Old Canal Smokehouse/Facebook
Good news: You won’t always have to. Order carry-out from your favorite hometown restaurant and support your local economy as much as possible during this uncertain time.
Wheatberry Books/Facebook
Home from work for the unforeseeable future? Start a reading list. Clean out your closet. Take up a new hobby. Tackle the loads of laundry you’ve been ignoring for days on end. (Netflix and the couch aren’t going anywhere.)
See1,Do1,Teach1/Flickr
Take a hike in a park, go on a walk in your neighborhood and practice social distance in the fresh air and sunlight.
Mike Mozart/Flickr
We’re just as baffled as you but rest assured; it will be re-stocked. In the meantime, get creative—or better yet, ask a neighbor, family member or friend for a roll or two. Be there for each other and we’ll get through this together. <3
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