NNEDV Resources on the Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

March 13, 2020
Posted by: Lucca Wang
Categories: 2020, All News & Blog Posts, Announcements & Statements, Press Releases

As the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues in the United States, many are preparing to work from home, face quarantines, and encounter some level of disruption to their daily activities. For the elderly, those with preexisting conditions or other health challenges, and other higher-risk individuals, the spread of the virus may also bring anxiety. And for individuals experiencing domestic violence, this public health situation can expose additional dangers.

Advocates working in local programs and shelters are facing additional challenges as they seek to continue uninterrupted services for survivors. In response to the request of guidance and resources for emergency preparedness for domestic violence shelters and programs concerning the novel coronavirus, below are some recommendations and resources.

** NNEDV will continue to update this information as new information and resources become available at https://nnedv.org/latest_update/resources-response-coronavirus-covid-19/?fbclid=IwAR2DTISvePusTPATQyyoMMQZyzXj23PnSZy8-96bNiEfZT-Z0HXMgQcUwgw. **

Resources for Advocates

From the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV):
- COVID-19: Coalition Guidance for Programs
- Using Technology to Communicate with Survivors During a Public Health Crisis (find additional related resources in our Digital Services Toolkit)
- Best Practices for Mobile Advocacy
- How to Operate as a Remote Workplace During a Public Health Crisis
From the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV):
- Guidance on Response to the Coronavirus
From the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence:
- Emergency Preparedness Toolkit
From the National Network for Youth:
- Coronavirus Resources: Resources for Community-Based Service Providers
From Futures without Violence:
- Updates and Information about COVID-19
From the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV):
- Special Collection: Disaster and Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Additional Disaster-related Resources
From the National Domestic Violence Hotline:
- Path to Safety: What is a Safety Plan?
From the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH):
- Coronavirus and Homelessness
From the HUD Exchange for Homeless Assistance Providers:
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
From the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
- List of Recommended Disinfectants for COVID-19
From the World Health Organization (WHO):
- Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus
- Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19
From Public Health, Seattle & King County:
- An Influenza Pandemic Planning Guide for Homeless and Housing Service Providers
From the Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV):
- Information about How Disasters can Impact Survivors and Ways to Respond to Survivors and Staff: “Understanding the
  Impact of Hurricane Harvey on Family Violence Survivors in Texas and Those Who Serve Them”
From the National Health Care for the Homeless Council:
- Shelter Health: Essentials of Care for People Living in Shelter
From POZ Magazine:
- What People With HIV Need to Know About the New Coronavirus

What You Need to Know: Symptoms, Prevention, and Hygiene

Symptoms of the coronavirus are fever, shortness of breath and coughing. These symptoms can be associated with a number of illnesses including Influenza (flu).

The following are basic preventative actions to help stop the spread of COVID-19:

Regular hand-washing with soap and water.
“Social distancing” to help slow the spread of infection.
Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough.

Domestic violence (DV) programs should contact their local health departments for more guidance and updates about COVID-19. Additionally, as advocates are not medical professionals, advocates should rely on the assessment of a health professional when it comes to the need to have someone in a quarantine situation. In line with best practice and FVPSA regulations, programs cannot require survivors to submit to tests or evaluation in order to access services.

If you have any questions or need any technical assistance, please contact NNEDV’s CTA team at capacity_ta(at)nnedv.org.