Weekly COVID-19 Update

Today is Giving Tuesday Now , the new counterpart to the traditional Giving Tuesday in December. Today's event is a response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19 around the world. If you are interested in giving, we encourage you to support an organization in your community dedicated to helping seniors, who are still at great physical and emotional risk from COVID-19 and the consequences of sheltering in place for an extended period of time. COA is still accepting monetary donations to help provide meals to seniors, if you would like to make a donation .

TODAY! AARP Coronavirus Teletown Hall AARP Ohio is hosting a Teletown Hall today (May 5) at 1 pm. Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley, Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus and Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley will address the health and financial impacts related to the Coronavirus, family caregiving needs and what you can do to stay safe . Join the event by calling 877-229-8493 and entering this code when prompted: 115182. Or, join the live stream of the event on the AARP Ohio Facebook page: www.facebook.com/AARPOH .

WMKV podcasts feature interviews with Amy Acton; COA Communications Manager Check out these informative Coronavirus-related podcasts recorded last week by local public radio station WMKV. April 29: Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton discusses deciding on elective surgeries as the state economy opens up and more on COVID-19. Listen here (navigate to Podcasts page). May 1: Paula Smith, Communications Manager for Council on Aging, discusses COA's response to COVID-19 and additional services and policies for older adults and caregivers on the WMKV Spotlight program. Listen here (navigate to Podcasts page and scroll down).

By the numbers: How COVID-19 is affecting Ohio's seniors We recently parsed data from the Ohio COVID-19 dashboard, which very clearly illustrates the extreme effect the Coronavirus has on older adults. We learned that while seniors don't make up the majority of COVID-19 cases in Ohio, they are disproportionately more likely to be hospitalized or die from the illness, as seen in the graphic. Governor DeWine rightly is urging caution as people - especially older adults and people with underlying health conditions - consider resuming their "normal" lives.

COA continues successes during the pandemic We continue to provide for our area seniors during these difficult times. Whether it's a 14-day, shelf-stable food box, a care package of personal and cleaning supplies or just a friendly wellness phone call, we are connecting with the community in many ways.  Read a few of our COVID-19 success stories.

Anti-viral drug shows promise in helping patients with severe COVID-19 There's been a lot of excitement around the preliminary test results of the anti-viral drug, remdesivir, and its seeming ability to help those with severe cases of COVID-19 recover more quickly.  National Institutes of Health remdesivir update FDA issues emergency use authorization for remdesivir

Scams and hoaxes related to Coronavirus continue to surge Here are some of the recent scams related to the pandemic we're hearing about: Con artists put new twist on "Grandparent Scam" during Coronavirus pandemic Not every COVID-19 testing site is legit  Ohioans Should Be Aware of Fake Insurance Products and Scams During Coronavirus Crisis

Have extra PPE? We are accepting donations of medical gloves and masks to give to our home care providers who are running low or are out of these supplies. Email covid19volunteers@help4seniors.org if you have supplies to donate.

COVID-19 and long-term care

Long-term care facilities across the county have become COVID-19 "hotspots." How widespread is the problem, and what is being done about it? Three in 10 CV deaths in Ohio were in long-term care Trump Announces Panel to Look at Nursing Home Responses to Coronavirus Outbreak Ohio data: Long-term care facility cases Long-term care facility deaths

Staying healthy during the pandemic

It's important for all of us to maintain both our physical and emotional health during the pandemic. Here are some tips and resources that can help:

Dealing with Caregiver Guilt During the Coronavirus Crisis  What's the right way to wear a facemask? Do's and Don’ts Self-care during the COVID-19 outbreak  What Families Can Expect from In-Home Medical Care While Sheltering In Place  COVID-19 Resources and Information for LGBT Older Adults

National and state COVID-19 updates

Ohio is beginning the first tentative steps on the road to reopening its economy. On Friday, May 1, the "Stay Safe Ohio" order was enacted by Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, and is in effect until May 29. The Cincinnati Enquirer has the document, and some highlights, here. The Social Security Administration released the following resource guide: Economic impact payments for Social Security and SSI Recipients

And now for some good news...

Enjoy this levity break during this time of abundant not-so-great news.

Grandma dresses as a different character each day while visiting grandchildren Dogs are being trained to sniff out Coronavirus cases Dog watching screen and waiting for tennis to resume Two-year-old adopted over a Zoom video chat Smash a Coronavirus pinata. You'll feel better.

COVID-19 resources from COA

Resources for seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic Our website has updated information and resources for those who need help during this difficult time: Food pantry list Instructions for online grocery ordering and links to grocers List of stores with dedicated shopping hours for seniors and others at risk Ideas for staying busy and engaged while at home Caring for someone with COVID-19 at home Mental health resources Avoiding Coronavirus scams Explaining Coronavirus to your children or grandchildren Clinton County COVID-19 Information Guide

Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life for older adults, people with disabilities, their families and caregivers. We promote choice, independence, dignity and well-being through a range of services that help people remain in their homes for as long as possible.

Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio | Visit us today!

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