As the new coronavirus outbreak continues to unfold, we understand that you might have some concerns regarding your health. We’ve put together some tips on how to stay healthy and take care of your emotional well-being, too. 

Protective measures
Governments and global health experts are working hard to monitor the outbreak of the new coronavirus and are keeping communities informed of any updates. Here are a few tips on how to take preventative actions:  

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating, after using the bathroom etc. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• If you don’t have immediate access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
• Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth if you have not washed your hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with either a tissue or flexed elbow. Follow up by washing your hands. 
• Avoid close contact with people who are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and fever.
• Stay home if you are feeling sick. 
• Practice food safety by avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked animal products. 

Call your healthcare professional if you are experiencing symptoms.  

Managing fears and anxiety around the coronavirus
As we learn more information about the coronavirus, it is common to experience different reactions and feelings the news. Here are a few simple and effective tips to help you manage your anxiety and fear surrounding the virus: 

• Avoid overconsumption of media channels: We recommend limiting the amount of time you spend reading articles of watching news reports related to the outbreak. For the most accurate information, check out government resources such as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or a local health department. 
• Use coping skills: Practice techniques that can relieve stress. For example, speaking to a relative or meditating can help you manage feelings of anxiety and fear. 
• Stay on top of your health: Follow the tips mentioned above.
• Try to not inflate the risk: A new virus can be scarier than existing health epidemics. While the coronavirus is an emerging public health crisis, it’s not clear that it will infect as many people as other known viruses do. 
• Be mindful of your assumptions: Someone who is sneezing or coughing may simply have a common cold or allergies. 
• Contact us: If you feel overwhelming worry or anxiety about this health crisis, please contact us at help@mhawestchester.org or 914-345-0700, ext. 7303 to seek additional support. 

In order to avoid misinformation that easily circulates on social media and various websites, we encourage you to be selective with your news sources to ensure that you are receiving the most accurate updates surrounding the virus. We recommend checking out resources such as World Health Organization (WHO), Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or your local health departments for reliable information.