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COVID-19 Assistance

Brain Injury Association of Indiana- COVID 19

With the coronavirus pandemic evolving so quickly, we must all do what we can to slow the spread of the virus. The health and safety of Indiana residents and our community is our priority, and we are closely monitoring updates from the WHO, CDC, NIH, and state health department.

The Brain Injury Association of Indiana remains available to speak and assist during this time.  We will continue to  assist and advocate for individuals with brain injury and their supports, provide support through our National Brain Injury Information Center, educate professionals to improve the quality of care, and seek cures for chronic brain injury through research.

We understand the impact that COVID-19 has on the communities we serve. We wanted to provide you with local and national information and resource links and support to assist, both in instrumental ways and for overall wellness.

COVID-19 Resource Guide for Hoosiers Looking for Assistance

(For more information visit https://coronavirus.in.gov- updated March 27, 2020)
  • For current and the most reliable information onCOVID-19 in Indiana,please visit the Indiana State Department of Health’s website: www.coronavirus.in.gov. The page is updated regularly and includes information, such as preventive measures and what to do if you’re sick, as well as informationfor healthcare and other public health professionals.
  • The Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov/coronavirus is another reliable source for current COVID-19 information. The CDC’s website includes information on the number ofCOVID-19 cases in the U.S., resources for the community and information for healthcare professionals.

Travel

Unemployment Benefits

*The following guidance was provided by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development
  • The Indiana Department of Workforce Development is reminding Hoosiers that applications for unemployment insurance benefits can be completed electronically. Hoosiers can apply on a computer or smart phone. Visit https://www.in.gov/dwd/3474.htm for more information.

Child Care Assistance

The following guidance was provided by the Family and Social Services Administration
  • Families who need help finding or paying for care can contact Brighter Futures Indiana http://brighterfuturesindiana.org/ and their staff at 1-800-299-1627 and a referral specialist can support them in their search. Every community has a Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (CCR&R) who can connect parents with local child care options and provide referrals for support.
  • To find your local CCR&R, you can call 1-800-299-1627 or click here.When locating care,it is important to ensure that families are choosing licensed and regulated care for their children. To check if the environment is licensed or regulated you can go to www.childcarefinder.in.gov or call 1-800-299-1627.

Indiana Assistance Programs

  • SNAP, TANF, Medicaid: The Indiana Division of Family Resources operates at least one physical office in every Indiana county and, in order to serve Hoosiers in need, those offices remain open for business. However, in an effort to keep social contact to a minimum and prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), DFR strongly urges Hoosiers to consider submitting applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or health coverage (Medicaid) online. Applications can be submitted at www.fssabenefits.in.gov. Health coverage applications can also be completed by calling 800-403-0864
  • Indiana WIC: Indiana WIC remains committed to serving families and continuing daily operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please be aware WIC local agencies have been given the flexibility to complete WIC appointments over the telephone. These appointments include enrollment, recertification, nutrition education/issuing benefits, breastfeeding support and referrals to other services. Currently, WIC operations will vary by region/WIC local agency,so please contact your local WIC clinic directly for additional details or questions. You can find your local WIC clinic by clicking here https://www.in.gov/isdh/19691.htm or contacting the state WIC office at 1-800-522-0874.
  • Housing: For housing assistance in Indiana, such as information on the Energy Assistance Program (EAP), please contact the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority: https://www.in.gov/ihcda/

Information and Assistance

  • Pets: In the midst of all the life disruptions generated by COVID-19, the Indiana State Board of Animal Health is offering some guidance to pet owners who have/may have been exposed to the coronavirus. While much is still unknown about this virus, no evidence indicates that companion animals, including pets, can get sick from or spread COVID-19. However, because we are still learning about this virus, we recommend that pets that have been in contact with COVID-19 patients should also remain in the home during the isolation period.https://coronavirus.in.gov/files/BOAH%20PetOwnerGuidance%20LTR%203-2020%20v3.pdf
  • School Closings: All K-12 public schools will remain closed until May 1. Non-public schools are also ordered closed. This date may be revised to extend through the end of the 2019-2020 school year if circumstances warrant. https://www.doe.in.gov/
  • E-Learning: In response to COVID-19, the Indiana Department of Education has developed a resource page for schools and families statewide. The site includes planning and guidance documents,educational resources and information on remote learning for parents and teachers, to name a few. https://www.doe.in.gov/covid-19
  • Blood Drives: Thousands of blood drives have been canceled due to COVID-19,resulting in a decrease of more than 86,000 units of blood being donated. Blood donation is safe and in high need. For donation locations and additional guidance, click the link here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/
  • Community Economic Relief Fund (United Way): The Central Indiana COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund was launched on March 13, 2020, to help ensure individuals, children and families in need are supported during this pandemic. United Way of Central Indiana and a coalition of partners are working with the human services sector to identify these immediate needs and make emergency funds available to organizations working directly with vulnerable populations. https://unitedtoact.org/uwci/central-indiana-covid-19-community-economic-relief-fund
  • Indiana State Parks: Indiana State Parks and Inns and other DNR properties remain open. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources will implement recommendations from local county health departments and the Indiana State Department of Health and will follow other directives from the State of Indiana regarding any future closures or cancellation and rescheduling of events. Notifications of any changes will be provided directly to guests and groups with reservations and added to our property advisories webpage and the DNR calendar.https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/7881.htm
  • Indiana Restaurants: For a list of Indiana restaurants that are offering catering, delivery or drive-thru options, please visit the Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association’s website at https://www.inrla.org/page/restaurants.

Coping with COVID-19 Toolkit

Coping with COVID-19- A Resource Toolkit for Patient and Family– Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana: https://www.rhirehab.com/media/1933/coping-with-covid-19-kit-for-patient-and-families-apr-2020.pdf

Brain Injury and COVID-19 Outbreak

COVID-19: Spinal Cord Injury and Brain Injury– Craig Neurorehabilitation and Research Hospital: https://craighospital.org/blog/covid-19-spinal-cord-injury-and-brain-injury

Q&A: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)- Shepherd Center: https://news.shepherd.org/qa-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/ 

Mental Health and Stress- COVID-19 Outbreak

Mental Health Considerations During the COVID-19 Outbreak- Indiana State Department of Health: https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/files/IN_COVID-19_MentalHealth_03.13.20%20(1).pdf

Stress and Coping: Centers for Disease Control (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://nami.org/covid-19-guide

Mental Health and COVID-19 – Information and Resources- Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org/covid19

Indiana State Community Mental Health Centers Listing– Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Indiana Family & Social Services Administration: https://www.in.gov/fssa/dmha/files/DMHA_SOFs_and_CMHCs.pdf

FAQs related to COVID-19

  • What is the source of the virus?
  • How does the virus spread?
  • Why are we seeing a rise in cases?
  • Can some who has had COVID-19 spread the illness to others?
  • Can someone in quarantine still spread the virus to others?
  • Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be spread through food, including restaurant take out, refrigerated or frozen packaged food?
  • Can I get sick with COVID-19 if it is on food?
  • Will warm weather stop the outbreak of COVID-19?
  • What is community spread?
What is the source of the virus?

COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and may different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats.  Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people. This occurred with MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, and now with the virus that causes COVID-19. More information about the source and spread of COVID-19 is available on the Situation Summary: Source and Spread of the Virus.

How does the virus spread?

The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in many affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses.

Why are we seeing a rise in cases?

The number of cases of COVID-19 being reported in the United States is rising due to increased laboratory testing and reporting across the country. The growing number of cases in part reflects the rapid spread of COVID-19 as many U.S. states and territories experience community spread. More detailed and accurate data will allow us to better understand and track the size and scope of the outbreak and strengthen prevention and response efforts.

Can some who has had COVID-19 spread the illness to others?

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. People are thought to be most contagious when they are symptomatic (the sickest). That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others. More recently the virus has also been detected in asymptomatic persons.

How long someone is actively sick can vary so the decision on when to release someone from isolation is made using a test-based or non-test-based strategy (i.e. time since illness started and time since recovery) in consultation with state and local public health officials. The decision involves considering the specifics of each situation, including disease severity, illness signs and symptoms, and the results of laboratory testing for that patient.

Learn more about CDC’s guidance on when to release someone from isolation and discharge hospitalized patients with COVID-19. For information on when someone who has been sick with COVID-19 is able to stop home isolation see Interim Guidance for Discontinuation of In-Home Isolation for Patients with COVID-19.

Someone who has been released from isolation is not considered to pose a risk of infection to others.

Can someone in quarantine still spread the virus to others?

Quarantine means separating a person or group of people who have been exposed to a contagious disease but have not developed illness (symptoms) from others who have not been exposed, in order to prevent the possible spread of that disease. Quarantine is usually established for the incubation period of the communicable disease, which is the span of time during which people have developed illness after exposure. For COVID-19, the period of quarantine is 14 days from the last date of exposure because the incubation period for this virus is 2 to 14 days. Someone who has been released from COVID-19 quarantine is not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others because they have not developed illness during the incubation period.

Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be spread through food, including restaurant take out, refrigerated or frozen packaged food?

Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. Currently, there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. Before preparing or eating food it is important to always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds for general food safety. Throughout the day use a tissue to cover your coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, or going to the bathroom.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object, like a packaging container, that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging.

Learn what is known about the spread of COVID-19.

Can I get sick with COVID-19 if it is on food?

Based on information about this novel coronavirus thus far, it seems unlikely that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food – additional investigation is needed.

Will warm weather stop the outbreak of COVID-19?

It is not yet known whether weather and temperature affect the spread of COVID-19. Some other viruses, like those that cause the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with these viruses during other months.  There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with COVID-19 and investigations are ongoing.

What is community spread?

Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.