Coronavirus COVID-19: For Patients and Communities

See below for the latest information for patients, communities and the general public about how to stay safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. For a comprehensive catalog of COVID-19 resources, visit the AHA's Updates and Resources on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage.

Protect Yourself Against COVID-19. Frequently wash your hands. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60% alcohol or higher). Keep your hands off your face. Avoid close contact with sick people. Cover your coughs and sneezes. Clean and disinfect surfaces. Stay home when you are sick.

For the Public: Guidelines for Home

COVID-19: Prevention at Home
March 30, 2020
The �� Association recommends these actions if you are sick to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

COVID-19: AHA Preparedness Checklist for Patients and Families
March 30, 2020
The �� Association recommends these actions to prepare your household, limit the the spread of germs and infection, and keep family and friends healthy.
March 31, 2020
In this resource, CDC offers steps to prevent illness, create a household plan, stay informed about emergency plans and know the signs and symptoms.
March 31, 2020
In this resource, the World Health organization provides information on when and how to use masks, how to prepare your workplace and healthy parenting tips.
For the Public: What You Need to Know

In this set of guidelines, the Washington State Hospital Association shares key points to relay in communications with the public about COVID-19.
This regularly updated Kaiser Family Foundation tool provides state-level data on COVID-19 cases as well as information to help track coronavirus policy actions. It includes data on current cases and deaths, and state-level data on health coverage and provider capacity.
For the Public: Behavioral Health Resources

May 4, 2020
State emergency orders relevant to licensed psychologists during the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Webinar: Providing Behavioral Health Services during COVID-19
April 22, 2020
On April 22 at 2 p.m. ET, AHA will host a webinar with Sheppard Pratt Health System's senior leaders, including AHA Trustee Harsh Trivedi, M.D., on how the Baltimore system continues to provide behavioral health services during COVID-19.
March 31, 2020
The federal government is taking steps to protect American’s physical and behavioral health in response to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus pandemic. The resources in this collection were created by federal agencies and their partners to help healthcare providers, caregivers, and the general population prepare for and manage the negative behavioral effects that can accompany a public health emergency.
March 31, 2020
In this compendium of materials, CDC provides tools and resource links for dealing with stress and domestic violence issues during COVID-19, guidance for those with behavioral health issues and coping mechanisms for parents.
Talking to Children about COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource
This resource from the National Association of School Psychologists offers parents recommendations for how to talk to children about the COVID-19 pandemic.
AHA Resource: COVID-19 Stress and Coping Resources
April 9, 2020
This webpage is a compendium of resources for the general public and front-line professionals coping with COVID-19.
For the Public: Testing

In this set of guidelines, the Washington State Hospital Association offers guidance on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, a fact sheet available in multiple languages, educational materials and FAQs. It also includes specific guidance and practices outlined for communities, health care providers and facilities, long-term care facilities, home care agencies and first responders.
These CDC guidelines contain updated guidance on what specimens to collect when testing for COVID-19.
For Providers: Helpful Communication Resources from Hospitals and Health Systems

These Society for Health Care Strategy and Market Development resources offer tips for communicating with your community during the COVID-19 crisis and review sample communications tools from hospitals and health systems.
March 31, 2020
UW Medicine is making its policies and protocols available on its website. These include screening and testing algorithms and policy statements, including minimizing aerosolizing procedures and room cleaning protocols.
This provider resource page from Johns Hopkins includes information about its clinical research as well as information for the public, including “myth-vs-fact” materials and advice on how to talk to children about the virus and what to do if stressed out.
This page offers an extensive collection of information resources and links for the public, including latest updates and local resources.
Kaiser Permanente mixes video and written materials for the public and their patients on their COVID-19 page.
Mayo Clinic presents this bilingual resource to offer the public and their patients the basics on COVID-19 as well as links to information about its clinical research and the latest news.
This provider resource page from Rush University provides highly visible links to video care, as well as other information about the coronavirus.
This page from Northwell Health offers resources for the public as well as a hotline and chatbot available in English and Spanish.
Legislative News

AHA Resource: House Passes the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
March 27, 2020
This special bulletin provides legislative analysis of the third large-scale congressional effort in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
AHA Advisory: Senate White House Reach Agreement on Relief Package Responding to Covid-19
March 25, 2020
This document is a full review of the legislation, including the potential financial impact for hospitals and health systems.
AHA Advisory: Senate Majority Leader Introduces the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES)
March 22, 2020
This document shows how this legislation includes provisions to provide financial relief and resources to individuals, families and businesses particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
AHA Advisory: Senate Majority Leader Introduces the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
March 20, 2020
This document updates efforts to provide financial resources for individuals, families and small businesses affected by COVID-19, as well as make several key policy changes impacting health care providers. March 20, 2020.
AHA Advisory: President Signs The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201)
March 19, 2020
This document details how the bill would provide financial resources for individuals, families and small businesses affected by COVID-19, as well as make several key policy changes impacting health care providers.
AHA Advisory: House Passes Revised Version of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201)
March 17, 2020
This document analyzes legislation that includes changes to FMAP, Medicaid coverage for uninsured.
AHA Advisory: Coronavirus Update: House Passes the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201)
March 14, 2020
The House of Representatives March 14 passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The Senate is expected to take it up soon. The legislation would eliminate patient cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and related services, establish an emergency paid leave program, and expand unemployment and nutrition assistance
AHA Advisory: Coronavirus Update: President Declares National Emergency in Response to Coronavirus Outbreak
March 13, 2020
As urged by the AHA, President Trump March 13 declared a national emergency in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.