Coronavirus: Critical Resources in St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay, FL
Together, we can win this case.
With coronavirus on the docket, it’s imperative that we as a Tampa Bay community come together – even as we stay six feet apart. In this age of smartphones, social isolation is a more connected experience than it would have been just fifty years ago. Nurturing our relationships and exuding positivity in the midst of this outbreak is going to keep us all sane.
And that mandate of six feet between us is going to keep us
safe. Please, PLEASE practice social distancing.
If you begin to feel helpless and are not sure where
to turn, reference the list below. The Coleman Law Group has
compiled this valuable group of resources that we believe will help
us all through this pandemic.
Remember: At least our social distancing can include a solo walk down to the Vinoy Basin, with dolphins surfacing in pods. We’ve got this, Tampa Bay.
Disease Information
By all means, check for updates on disease progression –
but not constantly. Certainly, one of the most reputable sources to
trust is Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If there is an outbreak in our community, do not panic. Read and follow these tips for containment and response. Find out information about steps you can take to fight the coronavirus in Tampa Bay.
Where does our state fare in this fight? Stay up-to-date on
the state of the disease progression in the Sunshine
State through the Tampa Bay Times site. That
way, when Governor DeSantis issues updates, you’ll know.
Not sure whether that standard Lysol spray will kill the
coronavirus? Be absolutely sure of your cleaner’s efficacy by referencing
this list.
Those who believe they may be sick should follow these recommendations. We supremely hope that if you do have the coronavirus, your case
is extremely mild. The best-case scenario is that no one around you contracts
it and that you are able to finally watch those 14 seasons of Supernatural
you’ve been too busy to stream until now.
Since the virus is believed to mainly transmit from person to
person, stay away from too many people. Hence the ‘groups of 10 or fewer’
advice. Additional advice is in this document.
Community Resources
Need food? This Tampa Bay Times article explains where you can find it. Children who are now out of
school for weeks can still receive breakfast and lunch. It’s
being distributed at select school locations.
One of the largest providers of food to those in need in Tampa Bay have moved to a drive-thru model of fulfillment. Check the Feeding Tampa Bay site to view the day’s schedule.
Tampa residents can access Tampa’s recovery hotline for social recovery and business relief. That number is: 1-833-TPA-INFO. Text TAMPABAYREADY to 888-777 for updated information and valuable info about the coronavirus in Tampa Bay.
Need more government resources and information, Tampa residents? You’ll find them here.
Learn how to apply for unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation, welfare or temporary assistance, and other programs and services that can help if you lose your job at https://www.usa.gov/unemployment.
Delivery schedules are fluid at Tampa Bay Meals on Wheels
currently. To apply to receive meals or to volunteer, visit: https://mowtampa.org/covid-19/.
YOU can be a community resource. Blood donations are expected to be needed now more than in recent memory. Find a location to donate here.
Physical And Mental Health
Take care of your physical health, whether that means going for a
walk or two a day or finding a new favorite workout video. CNBC compiled a
fabulous list of companies that are offering such videos free of charge. Find
them here.
Have a smartphone? Download an app such as Headspace to
help manage your stress levels. Consider all this time spent at
home as an opportunity to learn meditation. Even on a small scale, it can
lower blood pressure and help you find a calm ‘center.’
Need more exercise options? Get creative with these tips.
Consider Facetime or Skype to stay in touch with relatives. Those who are most vulnerable may be feeling exceptionally isolated now. Have an elderly relative? Facetime can lift their spirits – and yours. Don’t let the coronavirus in Tampa Bay disconnect you from your loved ones.
Small children have not seen their schoolmates for a
while. Applications like Messenger Kids lets
them connect in a safe manner (privacy controls abound for caregiver peace of
mind).
Establish a routine in this ‘new normal.’ Rising at the same time each day and getting enough sleep can keep you strong and healthy. Using coronavirus as an excuse to stay up late each night can backfire, as this article explains.
Homeschool – For Now
School is out – but it’s also in (your living room, dining room,
etc.) Parents who are not used to teaching their children in the casa can find
a variety of resources to help with the quest. Some of our favorites are
found at: https://hip2save.com/tips/free-educational-games-for-kids/
Working parents who now must meet deadlines at home while
instructing youngsters: This is a whole new frontier, we know. Through careful
planning and establishing of a schedule, you too can get your work done while
the little ones are learning away.
Spectrum is offering free WiFi for students to be able to work
virtually. Access this perk by calling: 1-844-488-8395 to enroll.
What’s going on in your particular district regarding school
closures, etc.? Pinellas parents should trust the information from https://www.pcsb.org/, while Tampa parents should bookmark: https://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/
Kids getting burned out from all the virtual learning? Remember
that children need to move. Institute a physical education requirement for your
‘Coronovirus University.’ Resources to help you plan physical education
workouts appropriate for children are shared here. Consider taking a break and joining in alongside your little
athletes.
A whole slew of celebrities are chipping in to help supplement
those lessons. Children of all ages can enjoy Josh Gad (the voice of Olaf in
Frozen and Frozen 2) and Amy Adams (of Enchanted fame) reading
various children’s stories aloud. Visit this site, sit back, and enjoy.
Mo Willems, author and illustrator of books such as When
You Give a Pigeon a Cookie, will teach your children how to draw that
famous pigeon. And a certain famous pig. And so much more.
We are always available.
We hope the above list helps us of us get through this time. If you do require counsel regarding an auto accident in Tampa or St. Petersburg, call us at 727-214-0400 or email us at mail@clgfl.com.
Click on https://www.colemanlawgroup.com/contact.html to reach the Coleman Law Group. The coronavirus in Tampa Bay won’t get the best of us. Stay strong and stay aware of what is happening around in your area.
We may be social distancing – but our legal counsel is as close as ever.
Coleman Law Group, PA: Your Auto Accident Law Firm.
