Coronavirus in New York: How to Help

March 16, 2020  /  Marci Goldfarb

If there is one thing New Yorkers believe about themselves, it’s that no one pulls together quite as well during a crisis.

*Vigorous hand-washing, staying home, bumping elbows instead of hugging — we got that. But with more than 200 confirmed cases of coronavirus in New York and more than 1,110 nationwide, some people are asking if they can do more to help.

*Since the referenced article written just four days ago on March 12, 2020, Coronavirus cases in NY have increased to 729 and 3,782 nationwide. Keep track of the numbers here.

Here are four ways you can help:

  1. Check on older neighbors

  2. Safely drop off food for people under quarantine

  3. Donate blood

  4. Donate money

Please see below from the NY Times on answers to your most common questions about the coronavirus outbreak. Updated March 14, 2020

  1. What is a coronavirus?
    It is a novel virus named for the crownlike spikes that protrude from its surface. The coronavirus can infect both animals and people and can cause a range of respiratory illnesses from the common cold to lung lesions and pneumonia.

    • How contagious is the virus?
      It seems to spread very easily from person to person, especially in homes, hospitals and other confined spaces. The pathogen can travel through the air, enveloped in tiny respiratory droplets that are produced when a sick person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes.

    • Where has the virus spread?
      The virus, which originated in Wuhan, China, has sickened more than 154,800 in at least 130 countries and more than 5,700 have died. The spread has slowed in China but is gaining speed in Europe and the United States. World Health Organization officials said the outbreak qualifies as a pandemic.

    • What symptoms should I look out for?
      Symptoms, which can take between two to 14 days to appear, include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Milder cases may resemble the flu or a bad cold, but people may be able to pass on the virus even before they develop symptoms.

    • How do I keep myself and others safe?
      Washing your hands frequently is the most important thing you can do, along with staying at home when you’re sick and avoiding touching your face.

    • How can I prepare for a possible outbreak?
      Keep a 30-day supply of essential medicines. Get a flu shot. Have essential household items on hand. Have a support system in place for elderly family members.

    • What if I’m traveling?
      The State Department has issued a global Level 3 health advisory telling United States citizens to “reconsider travel” to all countries because of the worldwide effects of the coronavirus. This is the department’s second-highest advisory.

    • How long will it take to develop a treatment or vaccine?
      Several drugs are being tested, and some initial findings are expected soon. A vaccine to stop the spread is still at least a year away.