• If you received COVID Vaccine from Austin Public Health (APH) at the Delco Center on January 11^th, 12^th or 13^th, through outreach from People’s Community Clinic, this notice provides updates on the second dose of the vaccine.
• If APH has not already reached out to you regarding your second dose, APH has assured us that they will be contacting patients via phone, text or email to schedule your second dose of the COVID Vaccine. This outreach may be done over the next several weeks.
• After you have been contacted by APH, if you have any additional questions or need assistance scheduling your second dose, please reach out to the APH Nurse Line at 512.972.5560.

6 months and older:

Patients who are 6 months and older can sign up for a flu or COVID-19 vaccine/booster. Vaccines can be administered at the clinic during a regular check-up or in one of our vaccine clinics. Sign up for a vaccine clinic by clicking this link: https://bit.ly/PCCVACCINE

• Moderna Tot- 6 months to 4 years old
• Pediatric Pfizer Vaccination – children 5 to 11 years old
• Pfizer Vaccine – 12 years and older
• Moderna Vaccine – 18 years and older
• Moderna & Pfizer Booster – must be 5 months since the second vaccination
• Second Moderna & second Pfizer Booster- must be 4 months since the first booster and must be 50 yrs or older or immunocompromised

To see the most accurate information about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, how it works and more, visit the CDC’s page here.

People’s Community Clinic has updated its hours:  

• People’s 1101 Camino La Costa clinic is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM and Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. 
• Lab hours for Camino La Costa are 8:15 AM – 4:00 PM.
• People’s Center for Women’s Health (CWH) is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Tuesday and Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for in-person or telemedicine visits. At this time CWH is not permitting guests or children to enter, to help ensure  the safety of our prenatal patients. Please call and discuss rescheduling options if this presents a problem.
• Lab hours for CWH are 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
• The Manor Mustang Health Center will be open during usual hours. In-person and telemedicine appointments are available. 
• If you call after hours, you will have the option to be connected to a 24 hour nurse line.
• Call 512.478.4939 if you have questions. We can give you more advice but please DO NOT WALK IN.  We are using telemedicine as much as possible to keep you safe.

People’s may make additional changes as we learn more about COVID-19 and community needs, so please watch this page.

We have limited testing kits for COVID-19. We only test if there are certain risks and illness.

Other People’s services like Behavioral Health, Social Work, Nutrition, and Health Education are done by telehealth. Please call if you have questions.

I have an appointment at People’s Community Clinic. What should I do?

• Call us if you need to cancel your appointment. Please let us know if you would like to cancel so we can save the appointment slots for other people.
• Call us if you have a mild cough or fever before you come in. We want to keep you and others safe. We will decide if we need to see you. We might change your appointment to telehealth if necessary but we want to hear from you if you have concerns.
• If you are coming in for an appointment, please limit bringing in guests or children. One caregiver per patient is allowed if needed, but please do not bring children or other family members to this visit. If children are with you, you will need someone to stay with them in the car during your appointment.
• If you have an appointment at our Main clinic (1101 Camino La Costa), you will be checking in at the south doors (the doors facing Hwy 290).
• If you have an appointment at our Center for Women’s Health (2900 N I H 35), you will check in outside the clinic doors.
• All of our group classes are canceled until further notice. (Happy Kitchen, Zumba, and others)
• If you have an appointment with behavioral Health, Social Work, Nutrition, and Health Education they will do the visit on the phone. Please do not come to the clinic for these visits.

No one with a fever or cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms should come to clinic unless they are the patient and have an appointment for that issue (otherwise, they should call us).

The CDC says that getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a personal choice for pregnant or breastfeeding people. Read more about the CDC’s recommendations for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding here. 

If you are already a patient at People’s, testing is available at our drive-through testing area. You must make an appointment first before coming to get tested. Please call 512.478.4939 for details.

Everyone in the Austin area can get tested through the city. Visit https://austintexas.gov/covid-testinfo to learn more.

If you are able, and you are NOT experiencing an emergency, please read this first: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html

If it is not an emergency and you are a People’s patient, and you would like to speak with us, please call us at 512-478-4939.

If it is not an emergency and you are not a People’s patient, please call your primary healthcare provider.

If you live in Central Texas but do not have a primary healthcare provider and you think that you have COVID-19 symptoms, call the Travis County COVID-19 Hotline at 512-978-8775.

What are the signs or symptoms for COVID-19?

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

Watch for the symptoms listed below, these symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. There may be other symptoms, but these are the most common.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling achy
• Loss of sense of smell and taste

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

You may not have any symptoms, or maybe mild symptoms, but you can still spread the virus to others. Your risk increases if you have been around someone with COVID-19. If the illness is mild, most people should just stay home. If you are concerned, call your provider for guidance on next steps. People’s Community Clinic wants to keep our patients and others around them safe. We will decide if you should be seen and help you to know what to expect.

What are the emergency warning signs to know when to seek medical attention immediately?

If you develop emergency warning signs of COVID-19, get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

I have COVID-19 symptoms. What should I do now?

• Stay home: Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas except to get essential items like groceries or medication. Stay away from other people as much as possible. If you have to get out for essential items maintain 6 feet between yourself and others.
• Stay in touch with your healthcare provider. Call before you get medical care. Do not walk into a clinic. Be sure to get care if you feel bad or you think it is an emergency.
• Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
• Take care of yourself: Take your temperature if you are able to. Drink fluids like water or electrolyte solutions like Pedialyte. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol or generic) if you have a fever. Rest.  
• Wear a facemask: If you have a facemask you can wear it when you must be around others. Some people are making their own. You can find ideas online.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your arm or a tissue and then throw it away immediately.
• Wash your hands frequently: Use soap and water to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds multiple times per day and especially if you are around others or have symptoms.
• Use disinfectants to clean surfaces that are often touched: Use bleach or alcohol to clean all surfaces frequently, this includes doorknobs, countertops, phones, laptops, etc…
• Don’t share food or drinks.
• Self-quarantine if you start experiencing symptoms.  This means keep to a separate bedroom or bathroom after experiencing symptoms. People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home but should be isolated from others to avoid spreading the virus. You can stop self-quarantine when 1) you have no fever for 72 hours (3 full days) without using ibuprofen or acetaminophen AND 2) other symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath are better AND 3) it has been 7 days since your symptoms started.

How do I know when it’s safe to stop self-quarantine? 

IF you will not have a test to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:

• You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use medicine that reduces fevers)
  AND
• other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
  AND
• at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

If you will be tested to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:

• You no longer have a fever (without the use medicine that reduces fevers)
  AND
• other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
  AND
• you received two negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart. Your doctor will follow CDC guidelines. In all cases, follow the guidance of your healthcare provider and local health department. The decision to stop home isolation should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider and state and local health departments. Local decisions depend on local circumstances.

How will I be treated for COVID-19?

The best treatment is taking care of yourself or someone else with rest, fluids, and something for fever or aches. We don’t have a cure right now. We can only treat the symptoms. Mild cases and some moderate cases can be treated at home.

For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions. If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately.

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 and are feeling ill can call our clinic 512-478-4939 or the Travis County COVID-19 Hotline at 512-978-8775.

Where do I go to learn more about COVID-19?

Here is a list of resources that we trust for accurate information:  

• Centers for Disease Control
• The World Health Organization
• The City of Austin / local government
• Travis County Health Department

• • COVID-19 cases in the Austin area are increasing and it is spreading in the community rapidly.
  • Community Spread means people with the virus are reporting they do not know someone who is sick.
  • You are at risk for getting the virus if you touch any infected surface.
  • You are also at risk for getting the virus if you are within 6 feet of someone because the virus is spread when talking, coughing, or sneezing. Even if someone does not have symptoms they can spread the illness.
  • The CDC is predicting that most of the U.S. population will be exposed to this virus.

STAY HOME to keep away from the disease. The more we go out, the more we spread the illness. We are being encouraged to stay home so that we can protect each other and our healthcare workers so they can continue to take care of those that are sick.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING It is our responsibility to keep 6 feet away from others.  The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, especially between those who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

If you must go to a grocery store, pharmacy, or health clinic:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom and when you first get home; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. Get exercise, eat well, get enough rest.

SHOULD I WEAR A MASK?

• Travis County and the city of Austin require people over the age of 10 to wear facial coverings when in public. Exceptions can be made for when people are exercising, are outside only with members of their household, or are eating or drinking. You should wear a facial covering while using public transportation, ride shares or taxis, and while pumping gas. Face masks are not required while riding in a personal vehicle.
• Everyone should avoid public places but if you must go out for essential services like to a grocery store or pharmacy, the CDC recommends you to wear a cloth face covering which completely to cover your mouth and nose.
  • Simple cloth face coverings will help our community to slow the spread of the virus.
  • Face coverings can be made from household items and should be worn by those with and without current symptoms.
  • These coverings should be left on for the entire duration of the outing and laundered after the visit.
• Do not use a face covering on young children under age 2, on anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who is unable to remove the mask on their own. Those who cannot wear a mask should avoid leaving the house unless seeking essential medical care.
• The general public should use cloth masks to reserve the medical/surgical masks for health care workers so they can continue providing care for those that are critically ill.

Coronavirus spreads through respiratory droplets (snot, mucus, etc.) from an infected person who coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It is not clear if it is spread through air when using something like a nebulizer.

The droplets can land on surfaces and live there for many hours. When I touch surfaces and then touch my eyes, nose, or mouth, I may get the virus.

Person-to-person spread means that if I am infected with the virus, and I come into contact with someone like a friend, partner, child, roommate, co-worker and others, then I will spread the virus to them. Kissing or other intimate contact can increase risk of you and others being infected.

Austin/Travis County has person-to-person spread.

If you have other ongoing diseases like diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, heart diseases, or others.

If you have a weaker immune system or are using medications that weaken the immune system.

If you smoke, vape, or use recreational drugs regularly.

If you are 60 or older. The risk goes up as age goes up.

If you are pregnant, you may have increased risk to get sick with certain viruses but there is limited published information.

The healthcare system is overwhelmed in many places. Staying at home will mean that there are more resources for everyone that needs them.

• You should stay at home to avoid reduce the chance that you will get the virus because not all people who are infected have symptoms.
• You could have the virus but not feel sick. If you go out, you could still make others sick.
• The healthcare system is overwhelmed in many places. When you stay home you are helping to reduce the spread of the virus and helping to avoid a crisis in health care clinics and hospitals.
• Want to see how staying at home will make a difference? Follow the link and click on your state on this map. https://covidactnow.org/

Is COVID-19 really that bad?

• You and your family are at great risk of COVID-19 because it is spreading rapidly and those who are contagious may not have any symptoms.
• If you become sick from COVID-19, your chance of dying is much higher than if you get the flu, no matter your age group.

• You are at greater risk for severe illness, needing a ventilator to breathe, or death if you have a predisposing medical condition like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease. This risk is due to a weaker immune or respiratory system and poor overall health.
• Your health outcomes will be limited if the health resources are limited or overburdened by the outbreak.

Information on the current risk level in Travis County can be found here. Below is Austin Public Health’s (APH) chart to help residents of Austin-Travis County understand the stages of risk and provide recommendations on what people should do to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is a stressful time for all of us. Everyone responds differently during times of stress. Taking care of yourself is very important. If you are having a mental health emergency or trouble with your thoughts and feelings, please call Integral Care at 512-472-4357(HELP).

You may also call Texas Health and Human Services, who has launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This new resource offers COVID-19-related mental health support for all Texans. People can call the Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free at 833-986-1919.

If you already have an established relationship with a People’s Social Worker or provider, and it is not an emergency, please call us at 512-478-4939 to speak to someone or schedule an appointment.

• Here are some suggestions from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
• Need some coping skills? Check out this link. http://www.indigodaya.com/wpcf7_captcha/2019/04/Coping-skills-flyer-v5_Indigo-Daya.pdf

Take care of yourself.

• Exercise in your house, dance, go outside if you can stay at least 6 feet away from others.
• Get enough sleep.
• Take a break from social media.
• Stick to a schedule (this is especially helpful for children).
  • Include, fun, work, and exercise.
• Eat nutritious foods.

For Kids

• COVIBOOK Comic pdf by Mindheart [multiple languages]
• SAMHSA Talking with Children Factsheet (Downloadable)
• Talking to Children about COVID-19 a parent resource
• PBS How to Talk to Your Kids about COVID-19
• Summer 2020 Family Activities Packet

ASL

• Prevention Tips
• Public Health Insider Resources and Videos

Austin Public Health Google Document English

Austin Public Health Google Document Spanish

Aunt Bertha Resource Navigation Platform

General Resources

AISD Learning At Home Portal (sample schedules and activities at different grade levels)

YMCA Offering Childcare for Essential Workers 

Housing 

AUSTIN MEDICAL-LEGAL PARTNERSHIP

Austin Tenants Council

Texas Apartment Association Renters Resources (English & Spanish)

Applications for assistance with rent, mortgage, or utility bills

Catholic Charities 

Food Access

Central Texas Food Bank

About Good Apple 

Stay Home, Stay Healthy FAQ ( Good Apple)

Good Apple Intake Form 

AISD Meals During Closures

Farmshare/Fresh for Less Austin Curbside Delivery Service

H-E-B & Favor Senior Support: Online Ordering 101

Special WIC Food Updates

Utilities

City of Austin Utilities suspends disconnects amid COVID-19

Financial Assistance

Unemployment Eligibility Scenarios

How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits Online

Cómo Solicitar Beneficios de Desempleo en Línea  

RESTAURANT EMPLOYEE RELIEF FUND

Texas Undocumented Worker Fund Application  

Economic impact payments: What you need to know

Transportation

CapMetro & COVID-19

Medical Transportation Program

Community

Resources for Immigrants during the coronavirus crisis

Zoom       

Your YMCA at Home 

Legal

Texas Law Help

Know Your Rights

Mental Health Support

• Mental Health and COVID Information and Resources from Mental Health America 

Crisis & Helplines

• Texas COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 24/7 call 833-986-1919 (English/Spanish)
• Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 (English/Spanish)
• Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
• National Suicidal Prevention   1-800-273-TALK (8255) (English/Spanish)
• National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (English/Spanish)
• Travis County MH Crisis Hotline 512-472-HELP (4357) (English/Spanish)

Therapy/Support:

Individual

• EAP through PCC (for staff)
• Counseling Care Circle up to 4free hrs of therapy for frontline healthcare workers and first responders
• Corona Virus Online Therapy free or low fee therapy for frontline workers

Support Groups

• TherapyAustin Free Online Support Group for healthcare workers
• TherapyAustin low cost support group $35/session for General Public

Substance Use

• In the Rooms Free online recovery tool
• List of online AA meetings/resources

Wonders and Worries teaches parents how to parent and kids how to cope during a parent’s illness. Extended hours helpline 1-844-WE-WONDER (844-939-6633).

Support

Coping w/ disaster Fact Sheets

Self-Care for Parents

Support for Parents from Childmind Institute

Mindfulness Meditation

What is mindfulness meditation?
It is a mental training practice that teaches you to slow down racing thoughts, let go of negativity, and calm both your mind and body. Mindfulness techniques can vary, but in general, mindfulness meditation involves a breathing practice, mental imagery, awareness of body and mind, and muscle and body relaxation

UCLA – Mindful Meditation

English video about meditation

Working from Home

• 9 tips to be productive from Forbes
• Working from home with kids feels unsustainable, how to ease the burden from Vox

Physical Distancing

• Articles
  • How to Keep your Friends while Keeping your Distance by The Spinoff
  • Self-Care for Parents Article
  • Tips for Social Distancing from SAMHSA
  • Support for Parents from Childmind Institute
• Entertainment
  • For 55+ Family Eldercare’s Lifetime Connection without Walls
  • Virtual Museums
  • Online Board Games
  • Netflix Party watch Netflix with friends
  • 20 Places to visit without leaving home
  • APL ECard free for residents of Austin, $22 for non-residents.
• Exercise
  • Online Exercise Classes in Austin
  • Creative workouts you can do at home
  • Yoga with Adriene
  • Online Dance Party
  • Dance Party with DJ Mel on Facebook
  • YMCA On Demand

Kids at home

Articles

• Parenting during COVID-19 Fact Sheets by Parenting for Lifelong Health
• How to Turn your Home into a School without Losing your Sanity from NPR
• Guide to Helping Families Cope PDF by NCTSN
• Calming Kids’ anxiety

Entertainment/Activities

• Kids’ website by the American Museum of Natural History
• • Bank of recordings of actors reading kids’ books
  • Facebook groups for parents
  • Disney Coloring Pages
• Learning
  • The Kids are Home, Now What?

Games and lesson plans for home

• AISD’s Learning at Home page
• TIME for Kids Free Digital Library