COVID-19 RESOURCES
Did you know that COVID-19 can feel like a common cold or seasonal allergies? If you’re experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms (which include runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever, body aches and more) please get tested for COVID-19.
Visit www.cdph.ca.gov for more information on how you can get tested!
Building Resilient Communities is Partnering with NAACP Riverside Branch
Greetings Pastors,
We are so excited to share the new tool kit to help Pastors discuss Covid-19. This toolkit was created as a resource for churches in the Black Community. We created the kit as a repository for Covid-19 information and advisory updates about Covid-19.
The agencies that created this toolkit believe and stand on the premise that we Walk by Faith and Not by Sight. The toolkit is a compilation of statistics and personal testimonies that will hopefully be able to springboard your messages as we continually navigate the pandemic.
It is our plan to update the toolkit on a regular basis and provide you with access to those revised kits. In the next phase, we hope to compile interviews of Pastors sharing how they and their congregations have navigated this pandemic. We will continue to update the info graphics given to us by the county health departments and COVID-19 local and national experts.
We are very thankful for the partnership we have with the Riverside University Health System – Public Health Equity team, the African American Vaccine Equity Collaborative, and our local Pastors.
The Riverside Branch of the NAACP continues to prioritize promoting vaccinations, testing, and COVID safety precautions.
Thank you for continuing to partner with us as we WALK BY FAITH TOGETHER.
Dr. Regina Patton Stell
NAACP Riverside Branch
Download the Pastor’s Toolkit Today!
COVID-19
You might be wondering, is COVID-19 still a concern? Unfortunately, the virus continues to pose a significant threat to our communities. As of September 2024, infections are growing in 7 states, declining in 16, and stable or uncertain in 25 states. While hospitalizations and deaths aren’t as high as they were early in the pandemic, COVID-19 remains a serious issue, especially for vulnerable groups like pregnant individuals. It’s important to stay informed and keep up with your vaccinations and boosters to protect yourself and others. Find a testing site near you.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Vaccines save lives. COVID-19 vaccines offer protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death. There is also evidence that suggests that vaccination makes individuals less likely to pass on the virus to others. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for everyone aged 6 months and older.
Boosters
As protection from the original COVID vaccination decreases over time, a booster shot is administered to provide additional protection. The CDC recommends individuals receive a booster in order to maintain protection against severe COVID symptoms.
Visit the California Department of Health to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
Current COVID-19 treatment options have evolved over time, with several effective approaches now available to manage the disease, depending on the severity of symptoms and individual risk factors. Here are the key treatment options as of 2024:
Antiviral Medications
– Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir): An oral antiviral treatment used for mild to moderate COVID-19 in high-risk individuals to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
– Remdesivir: An antiviral given intravenously for hospitalized patients to speed recovery and reduce the risk of severe outcomes.
– Molnupiravir: Another oral antiviral option used in cases where Paxlovid is not suitable.
Monoclonal Antibodies
– Monoclonal antibody treatments have been used to prevent severe disease, but some have become less effective as the virus mutates. However, researchers are developing newer formulations to target emerging variants.
Immunomodulatory Drugs
– Dexamethasone: A corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in severe COVID-19 cases. It’s commonly used for hospitalized patients who need oxygen therapy.
– Baricitinib: A medication that suppresses immune overreaction, used in combination with other treatments for hospitalized patients.
– Tocilizumab: A drug used for severe cases, particularly when patients experience cytokine storms (dangerous immune system overreactions).
Supportive Care
– For severe cases, supportive care in hospitals may include oxygen therapy, ventilators, and other measures to help manage symptoms.
– Hydration, fever management, and rest remain important aspects of home care for mild cases.
Convalescent Plasma
– This is less commonly used now, but it involves using plasma from recovered patients to help others fight the virus. Its effectiveness has been debated.
Prevention & Vaccination
– Staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters remains one of the most important ways to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
For best outcomes, early detection and treatment are crucial, especially for those in high-risk categories. Always consult with healthcare providers for personalized advice and treatment plans.
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