COVID-19 Resources and Facts: What you need to know
Easter Seals Greater Houston has been working hard to respond to the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Below we have compiled a list of resources, FAQs, and updates in one location for you. Please check back frequently, as this information will continue to be updated.
Easter Seals Greater Houston Community Updates:
Program Information or Requests
An Update on our Special Events
Stay At Home Series with BridgingApps and Comcast NBCUniversal
Tips and Tricks for Keeping Kids Engaged During Teletherapy
Other Resources for Support through our BridgingApps Program (Educational, Mental Health & More)
Local Resources:
24/7 Mental Health Support Line for COVID-19 with Harris Center - Toll Free 833-251-7544
BCM/The Harris Center Coping with COVID for Children
CoVid19 Screening, Protocol & Testing Sites
Houston Emergency Department – What to do if you are sick
Houston Health Department Alerts and Advisories
Houston Methodist – Other Local Resources of Information
Learn Anywhere - An App List for Educators, a blog called Teacher Tech Table with teaching/learning specific tools, and How-To video playlist of 20 videos that is updated weekly
Other Local Health Departments
Legacy Healthcare Open Clinics (Other Medical Conditions & CoVid19 Testing)
Mental Health America Free Online Screening (Anonymous)
Protection from E-mail and Phishing Scams
Ready Harris for local health updates and Stay At Home Info
School Meal Finder (Subject to cancellation)
SNAP Resources - Families can order groceries from Walmart for curbside pickup and pay using their SNAP benefits. This is also available in Select Amazon Fresh markets. Find a local grocery delivery service that takes SNAP.
NAMI Greater Houston on line support groups
TX Health & Human Services waives renewal requirements for Medicaid and SNAP
Collaborative for Kids Child Care Resource for Essential Workers
Comcast Internet Essentials for low income and on line educational resources
BakerRipley Food Fairs, Employment Resources & More
Rental Assistance & Registering (Houston only)
National Resources:
Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC)
Social Security Insurance and Covid19 Stimulus Check
Virtual Education & Students With Disabilities Resource Guide
General FAQs about Coronavirus:
What is Novel Coronavirus?
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
What is Social Distancing?
Social distancing is a term applied to certain actions that are taken by Public Health officials to stop or slow the spread of a highly contagious disease. This is a positive way to protect yourself from exposure to the coronavirus or flu. Learn more ways to keep healthy by visiting the World Health Organization.
What is the source of the virus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause illness in people, and others, such as canine and feline coronaviruses, only infect animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses that infect animals have emerged to infect people and can spread between people. This is suspected to have occurred for the virus that causes COVID-19. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) are two other examples of coronaviruses that originated from animals and then spread to people.
How does the virus spread?
This virus was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The first infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person-to-person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so. The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses.
Can Coronavirus be spread through food, including refrigerated or frozen food?
Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. Before preparing or eating food it is important to always wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds for general food safety. Throughout the day wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, or going to the bathroom. Learn what is known about the spread of COVID-19.
Am I at risk for Coronavirus?
This is a rapidly evolving situation and the risk assessment may change daily. The latest updates are available on CDC’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website.
How can I help protect myself?
Visit the COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment page to learn about how to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses, like COVID-19.
Who is at higher risk for serious illness for Coronavirus?
Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness including older adults, and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease.
What is the CDC doing about the Coronavirus?
This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and CDC will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available. CDC works 24/7 to protect people’s health. More information about CDC’s response to COVID-19 is available online.
