CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) INFORMATION & RESOURCES FOR OLDER MAINERS

What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

How does COVID-19 spread?

The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses by clicking here.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
More information is available on the U.S. CDC’s What You Should Know page.

The CDC has also created a Self-Checker guide to help you make decisions and seek appropriate medical care. Visit the CDC’s Symptoms of Coronavirus page here, the Self-Checker button is located on the right side of the screen.

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. This includes:

  • Older adults
  • People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
    • Heart disease
    • Diabetes
    • Lung disease
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How can I protect myself and others from COVID-19?

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions.
• Self-Distancing: Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should
• Self-Isolate: Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Avoid Travel, if possible. 

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Learn more about the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control for Higher Risks individuals by clicking here. 

Resources & Helpful Links

Maine Area Agencies on Aging
Maine’s Area Agencies on Aging should be your first call to get answers on aging services and help in Maine.  While all of their offices are physically closed, they’re still providing all of their services virtually – they’re connecting people with the services they need, doing Medicare and Options Counseling over the phone, hosting virtual family caregiver support groups and, of course, still making and delivering Meals on Wheels.

Please check the resource pages with updates below:

Aroostook Agency on Aging (serving Aroostook county)
Eastern Area Agency on Aging (serving Piscataquis, Penobscot, Washington, & Hancock counties)
SeniorsPlus  (serving Franklin, Oxford, & Androscoggin counties)
Southern Maine Agency on Aging (serving Cumberland & York counties)
Spectrum Generations (serving Somerset, Waldo, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln & Sagadohoc counties)

Maine 211: Call, Text, or Online

Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine is maintaining a list of food resources from partners across the state. This site is updated daily. 

Maine Equal Justice: Helpful COVID-19 Resources for low income 

Staying Connected During Covid-19

Volunteer Guidance on Safe Deliveries (COVID-19)

Maine COVID Sitters: support for Maine’s Healthcare workers
We are volunteering to provide childcare, pet services, and household support to those on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emergency Preparedness: Caring for persons living with dementia in a long-term or community-based care setting 

MaineHousing: COVID-19 Rental Relief Program

Maine Specific:

Maine OADS: COVID-19 INFORMATION AND RESOURCES FOR OLDER MAINERS
The Office of Aging and Disability Services has developed a list of COVID-19 Aging & Long-Term Services and Supports resources. At the top of the attached document is a section containing COVID-19 specific information and resources for older Mainers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Also included in the document are community assistance and service resources available across the state to help Mainers remain safe and healthy in their communities during this public health emergency. Individuals seeking support are encouraged to call 211 Maine or their local area agency on aging at 1-877-353-3771. Click here to read more

Maine CDC COVID-19 Fact Sheet

Maine CDC Guidance on Non-Essential Large Gatherings

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information from the Maine CDC 

Maine DHHS: Which Type of Mask Do I Need?

AARP Maine Senior Hours Database: Maine Grocery & Food Resource Listing

 

CDC Fact Sheets

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and you

COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease: Share Facts, Not Fear

What to do if you are sick with 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

Care Plans Help Both Older Adults and Caregivers

 

Helpful Links:

CDC Guidance: Deciding to Go Out

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information from the CDC

Information for Travelers from the CDC

Information on How to Prepare from the CDC

University of New England’s Exercise and Conditioning for Easier Living (U-ExCEL) program – online workout services for older adults

Census 2020 & Covid-19: Impact on the Census

Safety Advice If You Must Visit the Grocery Store

Consumers for Affordable Health Care Consumer Assistance Help Line

CDC: Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

CDC: Checklist to Stay Healthy for Older Persons

UMaine Extension offers COVID-19 food safety information

Infographic: The flow of unemployment options

Foundation for Art & Healing: Stuck at Home (Together) 

Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice: Coping Through Hard Times

Treasury, IRS launch new tool to help non-filers register for Economic Impact Payments

Be PREPARED: Take Control. Advanced Care Planning

COVID CONVERSATIONS | TOOLBOX From The Coalition for Compassionate Care of California
Lifeline from Universal Service Administrative Co.
Households meeting certain income requirements may be eligible to receive help paying for their internet and phone bill through the organization Lifeline. Click here to read more

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Tips to stay on top of your finances during the coronavirus pandemic

 

Additional Resources

Covid-19 Related Scam/Fraud Information from MEMA & Maine State Police
If you believe you’ve been scammed, file a complaint with the Maine Attorney General at consumer.mediation@Maine.gov or FederalTradeCommission@FTC.gov, or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4621.

For LGBTQ older people and those aging with HIV that are worried, stressed or in need of help, know that the @SAGEUSA hotline is available for you here: 1-877-360- LGBT(5428)

Optum, part of UnitedHealth Group, is opening its Emotional-Support Help Line. Professionally trained mental health staff are there to support people who may be suffering from fear or stress over COVID-19. Optum’s Emotional-Support Help Line number is 866-342-6892 and will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free of charge and open to anyone.

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