Presidential declaration of a health emergency - basic information sources

Today, the President of the United States declared a health emergency.  The text from the White House press release is as follows:

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:
Pursuant to section 201 of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1621), I hereby report that I have exercised my authority to declare that the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the United States constitutes a national emergency.  This declaration invokes section 1135 of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1320b–5, to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exercise the authority under that section to temporarily waive or modify certain requirements of the Medicare, Medicaid, and State Children’s Health Insurance programs and of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy Rule throughout the duration of the public health emergency declared in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

I am enclosing a copy of the proclamation I have issued.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
March 13, 2020.

Now... what does that mean to us Over 50?  Well, it means more resources from local, state and federal sources are on the way. Check out these points of resources for more information.  There will be more information coming out when the federal declaration is reviewed by state and local health officials.

Reliable sources of information

• El Paso County Public Health
  • El Paso County Public Health Facebook
  • El Paso County Public Health Twitter
• Colorado Department of Health and Environment website 
  • CDPHE Facebook 
  • CDPHE Twitter 
• Centers of Disease Control (CDC) website 
  • CDC Facebook 
  • CDC Twitter

In the meantime, follow these guidelines for staying healthy and get the latest news and information.  All links are from the El Paso County Public Health Department website.

What you should know

• How it spreads
• Symptoms
• Prevention and treatment
• What to do if you are sick
• Higher risk populations
  • Video: What older adults need to know
  • Planning for those at risk
• Common questions
• What should I consider before going to an event?
• Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19

Travel Information

• COVID-19 information for travelers and travel related industries

Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in communities
Video: COVID-19 Tips from Public Health 

• How to protect yourself and your family
• Schools and daycares
• Colleges and Universities
• At work
• Community and faith-based organizations
• Large events and gatherings
• Healthcare facilities
• First responders
• Homeless shelters

STAY TUNED FOR MORE!