To help keep our community healthy and safe, Black Power 96 wants to share this important advisory about Coronavirus Disease 2019, also known as COVID-19.
Although the vast majority of COVID-19 illnesses will probably be relatively mild, and may not even have symptoms, some people’s illnesses will be severe and may even be fatal.
People over 60 and those with underlying chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable.
The All African People’s Development and Empowerment Project (AAPDEP) has issued the following advisory for our community:
How is the virus spread?
Early evidence suggests the coronavirus mainly spreads through respiratory droplets that float through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Those droplets can either land on you; making you sick, or they can fall onto a surface and live for some time.
Newer research suggests that COVID-19 may also spread through feces. For example: If a person doesn’t wipe efficiently, traces of feces cling to their hands. If they touch a doorknob, the virus could be transmitted to someone else who might touch that doorknob later.
How do we avoid getting or spreading the virus?
- Try to avoid crowds, including on public transportation. Stay six feet away from other people if possible. Especially keep distance from people who are sick.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. Sing a song to help you keep washing for 20 seconds.
- If you’re out somewhere and can’t wash hands, carry and use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- If you’re sick – stay home!
- If you’re coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth with your elbow or upper arm. If you use a tissue, throw it away after one use.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items like phones, toys, tv remotes, computer keyboards, desks, door knobs at least 3 times a day. You can use a bleach water solution. Try not to touch surfaces and objects that are used and shared often.
- Wash your hands before touching eyes, nose or mouth.
Black Power 96 is a project of the African People’s Education and Defense Fund, dedicated to addressing the grave disparities faced by the African community in healthcare, education and economic development.
Across the U.S. we see drive-through testing stations set-up primarily in white communities. We see white people coming into the stores in the African community and buying up essentials so that by the time we get off of work to shop for our families the shelves are empty. Many of us in the African community have part-time or hourly wage jobs and will lose income as businesses close and events are cancelled. But we still have to pay rent and utilities. This pandemic could have a serious impact on our community if we are not prepared.
We at Black Power 96 and the African People’s Education and Defense Fund are redoubling our work to organize and unify our community. We must take care of each other.
Check on your elderly neighbors and family members. If they are sick and can’t go out, offer to bring groceries. We may need to collectivize childcare to take care of our children who are out of school. This is an important time for our community to come together, protect each other, and organize to ensure that we will be victorious over this virus and all other challenges that we face in our communities on a daily basis.
For updates on COVID-19, visit developmentforafrica.org and follow AAPDEP on social media: Facebook | Instagram.