COVID-19 Response Efforts and Recommendations​

April 2, 2020
​As everyone knows, we are enduring an ongoing health epidemic requiring us to remain at home.  It appears it may be a while before things start getting back to normal.  The SCA would like to offer the following suggestions for how to respond and potentially help our neighbors during this crisis.
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  • Sign up to provide services or request help.  The state has mandated that we are only permitted out of our homes for critical needs.  However, many of us are remaining at home at all times (sheltering in place) during this crisis due to (a) being actively sick (b) having tested positive for the virus (c) knowing/suspecting we have been exposed to the virus, or (d) being in a “high risk” category.  If you can leave your home and are able and willing to lend a hand to others, please click on the link above and sign up to offer help. If you are sheltering in place and need assistance with food delivery, running errands or other tasks that do not require direct contact with others, please click on the link above to find people that can help.
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  • Reach out to neighbors.  There are neighbors of ours who do not use the internet and will not get this message.  If you suspect a neighbor may not be getting information or help, give them a phone call to see how they’re doing.  If you are unable to call them, please consider downloading and printing this flyer to place in their mailbox or other prominent location.  If they need food or other deliveries, help them connect with people who can help.
 
  • Stay informed.  The situation is changing daily.  For up-to-date information see 
    Bellevue COVID-19 Status
    (Español             中文               한국어                Pусский )
    ​​This site includes links to local, regional, national and international agencies with reliable information including best practices and press reports detailing the pandemic response and how to act responsibly for yourself and others.​ ​
  • Maintain Physical and Mental Health. This crisis is increasing stress for all of us.  Remember that no one is alone, we are all in this together!  The CDC offers this advice to reduce stress and cope. If you know of someone in crisis, please click here for guidance.  
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  • Be careful.  There is a lot of misinformation out there that may cause you to react in a way that is non-productive, wasteful or possibly dangerous to yourself or others.  Choose your news sources carefully.

  • Beware.  Scammers are taking advantage of the pandemic and the confusion surrounding it.  If you receive unsolicited email from what appears to be a legitimate source claiming to have critical COVID-19 information or possibly offering testing, do not click on any links.  Instead, go to the legitimate source website for information.  If you feel you require testing, call your doctor to discuss.

  • Maintain Preparedness.  There is a good chance each of us has been dipping into our emergency supplies in response to this outbreak.  Personal protective equipment (PPE) has been scarce and some have donated supplies to help front-line defenders.  Others have started consuming emergency food supplies.  Use your best judgement but keep in mind that all the emergency and disaster scenarios we normally are prepared for still have the potential to strike without notice.  Remember to restock when possible.  See the SCA preparedness page for additional information.  
 
The SCA Board of Directors appreciates your feedback.  Please provide any comments related to this notice or other COVID-19 concerns you may have relevant to our neighborhood to Pete Mansfield, Somerset Emergency Preparedness Chair at SomersetPrepares@gmail.com or the Somerset Community Association at somerset98006@gmail.com.