Advice on the Use of Masks in the Context of COVID-19

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This document is an update of the guidance published on 6 April 2020 and includes updated scientific evidence relevant to the use of masks for preventing transmission of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as well as practical considerations.

The main differences from the previous version include the following:

  • Updated information on transmission from symptomatic, pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic people infected with COVID-19, as well as an update of the evidence of all sections of this document
  • New guidance on the targeted continuous use of medical masks by health workers working in clinical areas in health facilities in geographical areas with community transmission1 of COVID-19
  • Updated guidance and practical advice for decisionmakers on the use of medical and non-medical masks by the general public using a risk-based approach
  • New guidance on non-medical mask features and characteristics, including choice of fabric, number and combination of layers, shape, coating and maintenance

Source: Advice on the Use of Masks in the Context of COVID-19

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    Talking to Children about Illness and Death of a Loved One during the COVID-19 Pandemic

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    In the midst of the devastating death toll and hospitalizations from COVID-19, the psychological effect of the pandemic on children has been sadly overlooked.

    The overwhelming media coverage and barrage of public health messages sustain a high level of physical and emotional threat within our communities, which is intensely observed by children. Age-appropriate explanations are paramount to ensure children have a coherent narrative and emotional support for their experiences. This article offers some guidelines on talking to children about these issues.

    Source: Talking to Children about Illness and Death of a Loved One during the COVID-19 Pandemic

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      COVID-19: Resources to Address Gender-based Violence Risks

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      This resource provides practitioners with key resources to support the integration of GBV risk mitigation into COVID-19 response. It will be frequently updated as the crisis unfolds.

      Source: COVID-19: Resources to Address Gender-based Violence Risks

        Views 897

        Basic Psychosocial Skills: A Guide for COVID-19 Responders

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        This Guide aims to help orient people supporting the COVID-19 response to integrate psychosocial support skills into their daily work, thereby making a difference to the well-being of people they come into contact with during the pandemic. More specifically, the Guide is intended for health and social workers; emergency responders; people working in food stores, public transport, funeral parlours and pharmacies; employers and managers; and people who are providing support to vulnerable family members or members of their community.

        The illustrated chapters provide practical advice for taking care of one’s own mental well-being, communicating with empathy, and helping people suffering from stress or severe distress. Case studies and tips to remember are included throughout.

        Source: Basic Psychosocial Skills: A Guide for COVID-19 Responders

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          Considerations for School-related Public Health Measures in the Context of COVID-19

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          In response to COVID-19, countries around the world have implemented several public health and social measures (PHSM), such as movement restrictions, closure of schools and businesses, and international travel restrictions.

          As the local epidemiology of the disease changes, countries will adjust (i.e. loosen or reinstate) these measures according to the intensity of transmission. WHO has issued guidance on adjusting PHSM while managing the risk of resurgence of cases.2 A series of annexes has been developed to help guide countries through adjusting various public health measures in different contexts. This annex provides considerations for decision-makers and educators on how or when to reopen or close schools in the context of COVID-19. These decisions have important implications for children, parents or caregivers, teachers and other staff, communities, and society at large.3 This document was drafted based a review of available literature, discussion with experts, regional partners and country examples.

          Source: Considerations for School-related Public Health Measures in the Context of COVID-19

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            CoronaCombat: Leveraging Games for COVID-19 Awareness

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            On April 10th, GRID launched CoronaCombat, a video game that raises awareness and provides accurate information on the new coronavirus and related COVID-19 disease. CoronaCombat not only provides players with reliable information but also empowers them to question misinformation. The player goes through a fact-seeking, myth-busting journey aimed at combating the new coronavirus, all while having a great time! All content in the game is sourced from WHO, CDC and JHU websites. The current version is available in English and Urdu languages and can be played for free here.

            We are currently looking for collaborators who can help us in the following ways:
            • Translating and localizing the game into other regional languages to scale its reach
            • Expanding the game design to incorporate animated gameplay that can capture the concepts of social distancing, practicing hygiene and flattening the curve.
            • Incorporating linkages to real-life resources including sources of accurate, updated information, health facilities that have testing capacity, contact tracing, two-way communication etc.

            What is GRID?

            Gaming Revolution for Inspiring Development is a social impact gaming studio where we create mobile games to inspire positive behavior change. GRID is mainstreaming games in the social sector, not only in the US but also globally. By creating context-vigilant games (in local languages) for low-end smartphones, GRID has opened up the possibility of using games to educate, engage and empower people in all aspects of their lives irrespective of where they live. We have created games on reproductive health (MoHiM, Nari Paila (made in partnership with IRH) & SurrEndo) on compassion for animals (KritterKneads), climate change (EarthFenders), Math learning (Calculasia) and are currently working on games on financial literacy (FINechANCE), opioid crisis, child protection and entrepreneurship.

            Source: CoronaCombat: Leveraging Games for COVID-19 Awareness

              Views 903