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COVID-19

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On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) as a global pandemic. [WHO: 2020] The situation in the United States is evolving rapidly with changes to school schedules, business operations, and other services across multiple states.
Our Services Directory offers information about a variety of potential service providers, including respite care, emergency food and financial assistance, and housing information. Please contact individual providers to confirm their hours and programs before visiting as many may have adjusted operations at this time.
Stay up-to-date on the global, national, and local situation using the links below.

General National and Global Information

The following links have general information for parents and families located anywhere in the United States:
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pandemic (WHO) : Information from the World Health Organization about COVID-19 internationally, including information about response planning, informational and training videos, and the situation in different countries.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) (CDC) : Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about COVID-19 in the United States, including information about travel, symptoms, and the situation in different states.

Utah Information

Utah Coronavirus (Utah Coronavirus Task Force) : Information for Utah residents, including case counts and updates.

For Providers

COVID-19 (novel coronavirus): Information For Pediatric Care Providers : Information for all Pediatric Care Providers, compiled and presented by Intermountain Healthcare with University of Utah Pediatric Infectious Disease experts.

Resources for Families and Caregivers

Information about COVID-19 for Families

Coronavirus Information and Resources (Family Voices) : Information for families from Family Voices, including information about preparation and planning.
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Healthy Children) : Information for families from Healthy Children from the American Acedemy of Pediatrics. The general page provides an overview of COVID-19, including symptoms and health risks, dealing with school closures, and how to talk to your children about the disease. Families may also be interested
COVID-19 and the American Workplace (USDOL): Guidance from the US Department of Labor for employers and workplaces around preparing for COVID-19, temporary paid leave, and information from the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Includes posters and handouts.

Staying Connected and Occupied

It's important to stay connected socially during physical isolation. Some creative ideas to connect with other family members or friends and family near and far are:
  • Cook or eat a meal "together" via video chat
  • Do an art or craft project
  • Watch a movie or read a book and discuss it together
If you have questions about a technology, app, or media, common sense media is an independent source for media recommendations and advice for families. The site includes reviews and ratings for media, games, and apps. Includes reports on various technology and connection platforms, including concerns and age recommendations.
If you know of other communication platforms or have other suggestions for activities we should include below, please suggest them via our Feedback page.

Connection Technology

In addition to phone, text, email, social media, and mail, there are a number of other technologies available for free or low cost for connecting to friends and family with audio and video options. Please see individual services for paid and free options and limitations as well as privacy policies. The Portal does not endorse specific technologies.

Entertainment Options

If you have an internet connection, check out online storytimes from libraries, booksellers, and authors. Many libraries, museums, and parks are also offering online activities.
If you don't have a reliable home internet connection, check options in your local community. Some libraries are closed but offering internet connections outside their buildings. Some craft stores and nonprofits are offering low cost options for at-home craft kits.

Resources for Providers and Professionals

Provider Resources

Critical Updates on COVID-19 (AAP) : Information for pediatricians about COVID-19 from the American Academy of Pediatrics, including clinical guidance, information on PPE, Practice Management Resources, telemedicine and telephone care resources, coding information, information for families, physician wellness tips, and advocacy information. Now includes a discussion board for members.
COVID-19 Resources for Children with Special Health Care Needs (LPFCH) : Information from the Lucille Packard Foundation for Children's Health with links to resources for clincicians, other professionals, and families regarding care for children with special health care needs.

Educational Resources

COVID-19 Conversations : Webinar series exploring the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States and globally, with a focus on the emerging evidence on how to best mitigate its impact. From the American Public Health Association and the National Academy of Medicine. Recorded versions of past webinars available.
COVID-19 and Special Needs : resource and hub for knowledge sharing for individuals, caregivers, and, in particular, health care workers serving the special needs population. From the American Academy of Developmental Medicine & Dentistry. Virtual Grand Rounds on COVID-19 & People with IDD: What you need to know 4/7/20 at 8pm ET.

Authors & Reviewers

Initial publication: March 2020
Current Authors and Reviewers:
Contributing Author: Medical Home Team

Page Bibliography

WHO (World Health Organization).
WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 11 March 2020.
(2020) https://www.who.int/dg/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-opening-.... 3/16/20 added for COVID-19 page - LRB. Accessed on 03/16/2020.