COVID-19 Variants
The COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, but both the virus itself and our knowledge of it have changed greatly since March 2020. Viruses often mutate to continue infecting the population once people have adapted to its original structure, and the coronavirus is no different. The most recent COVID variant, nicknamed "Omicron," behaves a bit differently than the original virus and is more similar to the common cold. The most common omicron symptoms are headache, fatigue, sneezing and a sore throat. The Omicron variant is also highly transmissible and spreads more easily than the original COVID virus, and can spread to those who are vaccinated. Because of this, breakthrough infections in people who are vaccinated are more likely, but the vaccine prevents severe illness from developing and reduces the likelihood of hospitalization. It is imperative to get the COVID vaccine and the booster shot to protect yourself from a severe case of coronavirus and protect those around you, especially the immunocompromised.
Find a testing center near you: https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites/index.html
Find a COVID vaccine and/or booster shot: https://www.vaccines.gov/
NJ COVID services and FAQs: https://covid19.nj.gov/?_gl=1*1ljql0g*_ga*MjAyOTc5MTc5LjE2NDA4MDU2MjA.*_ga_H2CSLJKP7S*MTY0MDgwNTYyMC4xLjEuMTY0MDgwNTY2Mi4w
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COVID-19 Tips and Resources
Tips for Wellness
- Keep a varied and nutritious diet, filled with lots of fruits and vegetables
- COVID-19 is a respiratory illness - keep your lungs healthy by avoiding smoking and vaping products
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer, for at least 20 seconds (try singing a song in your head to pass the time!)
- Avoid touching your face to protect yourself from any viruses that your hands might pick up, and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
- Keep a safe distance between yourself and others, at least six feet, to avoid spray from the nose and mouth that can contain viruses and bacteria
- When you do need to leave home for essential purposes, wear a mask to protect yourself and others
- If you feel sick or exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, stay home, self-isolate and seek medical attention. Call in advance to get up-to-date information from local health organizations
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Self-Care Resources for Healthcare Workers
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Tips and Resources for Parents and Guardians
- Educate your children about the facts of COVID-19, and explain the precautions put in place and why it is important to stay informed
- Reassure them that everyone is OK and that they can still virtually connect with friends, family, and neighbors to keep a sense of normalcy in who they interact with
- Listen to their questions and concerns, support them, and speak to them in language they understand
- Programs on Netflix: Brainchild (explains science and relevant topics in a relatable and understandable way), StoryBots (tracking down answers to common kids' questions), The Magic School Bus
- Kids Activities Blog contains hundreds of resources with ideas to keep kids educated and entertained while stuck inside: https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/
- Playbill: watch Broadway plays and musicals for free online here: https://www.playbill.com/article/15-broadway-plays-and-musicals-you-can-watch-on-stage-from-home
- Virtually tour museums around the world for free: https://www.passionforsavings.com/free-virtual-museum-tours-for-kids/
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