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:
- The State of Ohio COVID-19 Dashboard displays the most recent preliminary data reported to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) about cases, hospitalizations and deaths in Ohio by selected demographics and county of residence.
- COVID-19 Fact Sheet for Your Health and the Health of Others [PDF
] - COVID-19 Guidance for Older Adults – CDC and Prevention
- Early Childhood Education Updates and Resources
- Using Mindfulness Practices During Stress
- COVID-19 - A Financial Resource Guide
Food Safety Resources:
COVID-19 Webinars:
- COVID-19 and Food Safety for Consumers by Dr. Sanja Ilic (March 26, 2020)
- COVID-19 and Food Safety for Specialty Crop Producers and Marketers by Drs. Melanie Lewis Ivey and Sanja Ilic (March 24, 2020)
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 ]
COVID-19 IS CORONAVIRUS A CONCERN ON FRESH PRODUCE? [PDF ]
COVID-19 FOOD SAFETY FOR SPECIALTY CROP FARM OPERATORS [PDF ]
COVID-19 FOOD SAFETY FOR PRODUCE AUCTIONS [PDF ]
COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR PLAIN GROWERS [PDF ]
HOME & COMMUNITY
COVID-19 PREVENTATIVE MEASURES- HAND WASHING [PDF ]
COVID-19 PREVENTATIVE MEASURES- WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE SICK [PDF ]
COVID-19 PREVENTATIVE MEASURES- IS CORONAVIRUS A CONCERN WITH TAKEOUT? [PDF ]
COVID-19 PREVENTATIVE MEASURES- HOMEMADE HAND SANITIZER [PDF ]
COVID-19 PREVENTATIVE MEASURES- PREPARING FOR AN OUTBREAK IN YOUR COMMUNITY [PDF ]
COVID-19 FAQ FOR COMMUNITY GARDENS- STEPS FOR GARDEN MANAGERS AND GARDENERS [PDF ]
FOODSERVICE & RESTAURANTS
COVID-19 FAQ FOR FOODSERVICE- CLEANING AND DISINFECTION [PDF ]
COVID-19 FAQ FOR FOODSERVICE- RECEIVING AND FOOD PACKAGING [PDF ]
COVID-19 FAQ FOR FOODSERVICE- GENERAL QUESTIONS AND EMPLOYEE HEALTH [PDF ]
GROCERY STORES
COVID-19 AND FOOD SAFETY FAQ- IS CORONAVIRUS A CONCERN AT GROCERY STORES? [PDF ]
COVID-19 FAQ FOR GROCERY STORES- GENERAL QUESTIONS AND EMPLOYEE HEALTH [PDF ]
COVID-19 FAQ FOR GROCERY STORES- CLEANING AND DISINFECTION [PDF ]
COVID-19 FAQ FOR GROCERY STORES- RECEIVING AND FOOD PACKAGING [PDF ]
FOOD BANKS
COVID-19 FAQ FOR FOOD BANKS- BEST PRACTICES AND COMMUNICATION [PDF ]
COVID-19 FAQ FOR FOOD BANKS- RECEIVING FOOD AND CLEANING [PDF ]
U-PICK FARMS
COVID-19 FAQ FOR FARMERS MARKETS [PDF ]
COVID-19 FAQ FOR U-PICK FARMS- STEPS FOR FARM MANAGERS [PDF ]
COVID-19 FAQ FOR FARMERS MARKETS- STEPS FOR MARKETS AND MARKET MANAGERS [PDF ]