As the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 changes almost everything about our lives, I thought it would be a good idea to post a few helpful resources. Of course, there are key prevention tips, but I also thought it would be pertinent to provide community resources.
Medical Advice
First and foremost, there’s a lot you and your can do to prevent the virus and flatten the curve. Here are a few simple additions to a healthy diet and lifestyle that can better your odds. Be aware, I’m not making any medical claims for any of these items as their efficacy wouldn’t meet the FDA guidelines specifically for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The best thing you can do before getting the virus is to NOT have a preexisting chronic medical condition. If you’re looking for the ideal time to get healthier, there’s no better time.
Nutritionally speaking, this is what I’m advising to every patient:
- Vitamin C to “bowel tolerance” roughly 2-3 grams, 3x a day each meal
- N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) 500 to 1000 mg 3x a day each meal
- Vitamin A 25,000 IU daily
- Vitamin D 15,000 IU daily
- Neem (Ayurvedic herb) 300 mg twice a day with food
- Zinc (chelated, bisglycinate, picolinate) 50 mg once a day while eating
- Hydration. Drink approx. half your bodyweight (pounds) in fluid oz. (if you weigh 150 lbs., drink 75 fl.oz. a day)
- Stay smart! Avoid pseudoscience and myths
Up-to-date information provided on reddit:
r/COVID19 (more sciency, journal articles, epidemiology, etc.)
r/Coronavirus (monitor the spread, high quality posts and discussion)
Testing
Until there are more tests on hand, you should only get tested if you meet the CDC criteria.
Community Resources
DIY Facemasks
With new research showing that wearing masks can help slow the spread of COVID-19, coupled with severe shortage on medical supplies including basic PPE, many people all over the world have been providing templates on how to make them at home.
There are several sewing tutorials on youtube:
- How to make a face mask at home for coronavirus
- How to Sew a Face Mask with Filter Pocket
- Instructional video for sewing the Olson mask
Meals for Hawaii DOE students
Grab-and-go Student Meals
The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) is implementing the Seamless Summer Option program a few months earlier than scheduled, as approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Hawaii Child Nutrition Programs, to provide free grab-and-go meals for students during the extended spring break period. The schools below will be providing breakfast and lunch free of charge to children 18 years or younger, regardless of eligibility for free or reduced price meals.
Parents or caregivers who pick up a meal must be accompanied by a child, according to USDA requirements. There will be no personal interaction between HIDOE employees and the community. All meals will be placed in containers. Meals will be located outside of the cafeteria, preferably closest to a driveway or other natural access point on the campus.
CDC Stress a Coping Assistance
The outbreak of COVID-19 has been a stressful time for many. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. How you respond to the outbreak can depend on your background, the things that make you different from other people, and the community you live in. See the CDC page for Stress and Coping.
Financial Assistance
Assistance for homeowners and renters
Homeowners who are facing a financial hardship, either directly or indirectly, from the coronavirus may receive the forbearance by submitting a request to their servicer stating they are experiencing a hardship related to the virus. The forbearance will be granted for 180 days and may be extended for up to another 180 days at the borrower’s request.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides relief for homeowners with government-guaranteed mortgages. Homeowners with mortgages backed by the FHA, USDA, VA, HUD Section 184a, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac are eligible for loan forbearance for up to one year without fees, penalties, or additional interest.
Eviction Moratorium for Renters
Renters seeking information on whether they are covered by the moratorium should contact Legal Aid Society of Hawaii or a HUD approved housing counselor. You can find the nearest housing counselor here or by calling 800-569-4287.
Unemployment
State established NEW Hawaii State Unemployment Webform for filing unemployment claims.
Oahu: 808-586-8970
IRS Tax Relief
The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. This page will be updated as new information is available.
Filing and Payment Deadline Extended to July 15, 2020
The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced March 21, 2020 that the federal income tax filing due date is automatically extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020.
Coronacare Hawai‘i is a solidarity network built to meet the needs of our communities during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus crisis. They are a mutual aid network based on human solidarity.
Members of their network are educated on basic disease prevention techniques with the primary goal to limit the spread of the virus while providing services.
Kanu Hawaii
COVID-19: Respond with Aloha – Kanu focuses on connecting community organizations with individuals wishing to volunteer, along with additional resource listings. Their goal is to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 while supporting community efforts, as long as it’s safe to do so.
Support local businesses and trade the skills you have to get what you need through the Kokua Exchange, a Hawaii focused time bank.
