We know that COVID-19 is on everyone's mind. While there is no shortage of information about this pandemic, it is important to make sure the information you read is current and science-based. Two of the most important resources for information in Ohio are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Ohio Department of Health. Information is updated often and new information is added daily. In addition, there are many informative and science-based resources that have been created by Ohio State University Extension. We share these resources to help you and your family stay safe and healthy during these challenging and stressful times.

Getting Outside and Staying Safe

Read these important tips from our Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Laura Stanton, about getting outside this summer and staying safe amid COVID-19 concerns.

OSU Extension Resource: What To Do With Stimulus Money?

If you have questions or need ideas about what to do with your stimulus money, please read the What To Do With Stimulus Money? Fact Sheet from OSU Extension. This is particularly helpful for anyone who is out of work, has had a reduction in their pay, is waiting on unemployment benefits or is fearful a layoff is imminent. This is an educational resource that is packed with helpful tips, resources, and suggestions!

OSU Extension Resources: Grocery Ordering Online Guide and Video

In order to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are grocery shopping online for the first time. If you have never shopped for groceries online before, we have a few new resources for you, created by OSU Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Educators. The first resource is a video, Grocery Ordering Online and the second resource is a printed guide, Grocery Ordering Online [PDF]. You can also find both of these resources at https://fcs.osu.edu/news/grocery-ordering-online. You can also read a recent blog article on our Live Smart Ohio website: Take Your Grocery Shopping Online.

Update: The CDC Recommends Wearing Cloth Face Masks In Public

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that Americans wear cloth face coverings (masks) in public to help slow the spread of COVID-19. This recommendation is being made based on studies that show a significant proportion of people with COVID-19 lack symptoms and can transmit the virus to others in close proximity, through speaking, coughing, sneezing or other means.

To read more and find instructions for making your own face masks, visit: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/checklists/english-checklists/cloth-face-coverings-covid-19-checklist

Fact Sheets and Websites:

Food Safety Resources:

COVID-19 Webinars:

The following are resources specific to families, specialty crop producers, marketers, food pantries, foodservice, and consumers on COVID-19 and food safety. Many thanks to North Carolina State Extension.

Food Safety Fact Sheets:

COVID-19 AND FOOD SAFETY FAQ [PDF PDF icon]
COVID-19 IS CORONAVIRUS A CONCERN ON FRESH PRODUCE? [PDF PDF icon]
COVID-19 FOOD SAFETY FOR SPECIALTY CROP FARM OPERATORS  [PDF PDF icon]
COVID-19 FOOD SAFETY FOR PRODUCE AUCTIONS  [PDF PDF icon]
COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR PLAIN GROWERS  [PDF PDF icon]

    HOME & COMMUNITY

    COVID-19 PREVENTATIVE MEASURES- HAND WASHING [PDF PDF icon]
    COVID-19 PREVENTATIVE MEASURES- WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE SICK [PDF PDF icon]
    COVID-19 PREVENTATIVE MEASURES- IS CORONAVIRUS A CONCERN WITH TAKEOUT? [PDF PDF icon]
    COVID-19 PREVENTATIVE MEASURES- HOMEMADE HAND SANITIZER [PDF PDF icon]
    COVID-19 PREVENTATIVE MEASURES- PREPARING FOR AN OUTBREAK IN YOUR COMMUNITY [PDF PDF icon]
    COVID-19 FAQ FOR COMMUNITY GARDENS- STEPS FOR GARDEN MANAGERS AND GARDENERS [PDF PDF icon]

    FOODSERVICE & RESTAURANTS

    COVID-19 FAQ FOR FOODSERVICE- CLEANING AND DISINFECTION [PDF PDF icon]
    COVID-19 FAQ FOR FOODSERVICE- RECEIVING AND FOOD PACKAGING [PDF PDF icon]
    COVID-19 FAQ FOR FOODSERVICE- GENERAL QUESTIONS AND EMPLOYEE HEALTH [PDF PDF icon]

    GROCERY STORES

    COVID-19 AND FOOD SAFETY FAQ- IS CORONAVIRUS A CONCERN AT GROCERY STORES? [PDF PDF icon]
    COVID-19 FAQ FOR GROCERY STORES- GENERAL QUESTIONS AND EMPLOYEE HEALTH [PDF PDF icon]
    COVID-19 FAQ FOR GROCERY STORES- CLEANING AND DISINFECTION [PDF PDF icon]
    COVID-19 FAQ FOR GROCERY STORES- RECEIVING AND FOOD PACKAGING [PDF PDF icon]

    FOOD BANKS

    COVID-19 FAQ FOR FOOD BANKS- BEST PRACTICES AND COMMUNICATION [PDF PDF icon]
    COVID-19 FAQ FOR FOOD BANKS- RECEIVING FOOD AND CLEANING [PDF PDF icon]

    U-PICK FARMS

    COVID-19 FAQ FOR FARMERS MARKETS [PDF PDF icon]
    COVID-19 FAQ FOR U-PICK FARMS- STEPS FOR FARM MANAGERS [PDF PDF icon]
    COVID-19 FAQ FOR FARMERS MARKETS- STEPS FOR MARKETS AND MARKET MANAGERS [PDF PDF icon]