Our team of environmental pediatricians has put together some information to help keep your home and family safe and healthy.
Media coverage of COVID-19 is extensive
It’s hard to find a traditional or social media outlet that doesn’t focus on COVID. There is always new information developing. Sometimes the information is partial, misleading, incorrect or conflicting.
Uncertainty and information overload can create confusion and stress
Making the right decisions for you and your family is difficult without accurate information, and can add to an already stressful situation.
There are good answers to many of your questions
The purpose of masking is to protect yourself and others from transmitting coronavirus. Physical distancing is essential, and masking can provide additional protection.
Medical professionals use special masks, such as N95 respirators. Because these are in short supply, the public is requested to use other types of mask, including homemade versions.
Currently New York State requires all persons to wear a face covering in public places where physical distancing of at least six feet is not maintained. (Exceptions are for children two years old and under, and persons who are not able to “medically tolerate” masking.)
NYC Health: Face Coverings: Frequently Asked Questions
NYS Health Advisory: COVID-19 and the Use of Cloth Face Coverings
New York Times: A User’s Guide to Face Masks (may require login)
References
New York State, Office of the Governor, Executive Order No. 202.17: Continuing Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Relating to the Disaster Emergency. Available from: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/no-20217-continuing-temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency [Accessed 17 April, 2020].
Opening windows is generally recommended.
Opening windows is one way to increase ventilation. Ventilation is good because it allows new air to come into a room and old air to go out. The old air is more likely to concentrate things like viral particles.
You might choose to keep your windows closed if you have seasonal allergies because the pollen outside can make your symptoms worse when it comes inside. In that case, one way to increase ventilation is to use an air conditioner that has a “recirculate” mode that keeps the indoor air moving without bringing in outdoor air.
References
World Health Organization, Ventilation and airborne diseases. [Accessed 22 April, 2020].
Atkinson J, Chartier Y, Pessoa-Silva CL, et al., editors. Natural Ventilation for Infection Control in Health-Care Settings. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2009. Annex C, Respiratory droplets. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK143281/
Mental Health
NYC Well
NYS Office of Mental Health
County Health Offices
Crisis Text Line website
CDC Managing Stress
Safety
Domestic Violence help in New York City
Domestic Violence help in New York State
Other Fundamental Needs
NYC Citywide Information Portal
NYS Know Your Rights for Individuals
CAP4Kids general resources
CAP4Kids curated resources for children during COVID-19