Resources and Information on COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus

The Association of Schools and Colleges (ASCO) is continuing to monitor the public health threat from the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Our 23 schools and colleges of optometry across the country and Puerto Rico are doing the same. Each institution is following their state’s recommendations and individual protocols regarding this threat. To ask questions specific to an institution, please reach out to them directly.

A statement from The Accreditation Counsel of Optometric Education, the accrediting body for optometry schools, can be read here.

COVID-19 Statement for Current and Prospective Applicants. Updated 6/24/2020

Update from Federal Student Aid: Guidance for interruptions of study related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators’ Coronavirus (COVID-19) web center

 

Below are some valuable resources and information that we hope you will find helpful. We may update this list. Please revisit this page often.

We will post to our Twitter (@optometriced) and Facebook feeds updates as well.

 

Where Can I Get the Most Up-To-Date Information?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Up-to-date general information on what you should know about the virus, status updates, FAQs, and guidance.

World Health Organization: Global information related to COVID-19.

Johns Hopkins Corona virus resource center: Through the Johns Hopkins site there is a COVID-19 interactive map.

Other Resources

Directory of local health departments (https://www.naccho.org/membership/lhd-directory)

State Department Travel Advisories (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/)

How to keep in touch with local U.S. Embassies while on travel – Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (https://step.state.gov/step/)

For information/updates on licensure examinations, visit the website of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry: https://www.optometry.org/

Information from the Veterans Administration:

What are the best ways to Prevent and Prepare?

Visit cdc.gov for the most recent general updates.

Practice everyday actions to promote good health and prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19:

  • Wash your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water.
  • Cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home from work or school.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Build a preparedness kit for your home in case you are sick with any respiratory virus and need to stay at home. Examples include:

  • Pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants, and cough drops.
  • Alcohol–based hand sanitizer.
  • Thermometer.
  • Facial tissues, paper products.
  • Nonperishable food.
  • Extended supply of prescription medications.
  • Diapers or pet supplies if needed.

There is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, but you should get a flu shot — it’s not too late. It will not prevent COVID-19, but getting a flu shot will help keep you and your loved ones healthy as we continue to see widespread flu.

Additional resources that are mental health or public health in scope

1) World Health Organization (WHO) Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

2) American Psychological Association webpage on COVID-19 response and resources for stress relief during a crisis. https://www.apa.org/members/content/covid-19-actions and https://www.apa.org/practice/programs/dmhi/research-information/pandemics

3) Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health https://www.aspph.org/

4) ASCO produced podcast on Wellness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpR4ljTPlm8

5) National Association of School Psychologists Covid-19 Resource Center. https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/covid-19-resource-center

6) The National Academies of Medicine and APHA are responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. To learn more, visit:   NAMCoronavirus Resources and APHA COVID-19

7) Previous webinars from APHA

8) Global Forum on Innovation in Health Profession Education COVID-19 resources

9) Introductory online course for entry-level COVID-19 contact tracers from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials https://learn.astho.org/products/making-contact-a-training-for-covid-19-contact-tracers#

10) CDC Personal Protection Equipment Burn Rate Calculator https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/burn-calculator.html

11) Sympton checker apps or platforms — The Healthcheck platform, developed by UAB, is available for use. There is a fee that depends on the number of users, and in Alabama, CARES Act funds are being used for this purpose. If you would like more information, please contact the developer of the platform, Dr. Sue Feldman (sfeldman@uab.edu).

12) Society for Simulation in Healthcare — Helpful links and information

13) Contract tracing & other resources – from the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health

14) “The Way Forward on COVID-19: A Road Map to Reset the Nation’s Approach to the Pandemic,” from the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). It was accompanied by a related opinion piece by Dr. David Skorton with AAMC that was in the Washington Post.

15) “Tracking COVID-19 in the United States” by Vital Strategies, a firm that works with government to address public health challenges with new approaches and strategies.

16) Exposure Guidance in a Healthcare Setting