Sustaining Way Coronavirus Update
As Sustaining Way continues to assess ways that we can safely serve the community, please note the following steps that we are taking to reduce the threat of COVID-19:
All Team and Community Members are required to follow Coronavirus self screening protocol before coming on site.
We recommend that everyone continue taking steps to protect yourself and reduce the likelihood of a rapid uptick in community transmission. Please visit Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | CDC for actions you can take to reduce your risk.
Looking for ways to get involved with COVID-19 relief?
Sustaining Way has teamed up with Nicholtown Neighborhood Association and Project Host, a nonprofit that feeds the hungry in Greenville, to provide emergency assistance to residents every Thursday afternoon until the end of 2020. Community members in need can pick up a free prepared meal, fresh produce and cloth face masks. These efforts have been boosted by a $5,000 grant from the One SC Fund and a recent CARES Act grant.
Please contact us at 864-626-6437 or hello@sustainingway.com if you would like to donate produce or volunteer for this effort.
Worried you have Coronavirus?
Symptoms of Coronavirus can appear two to 14 days after exposure. They include fever, cough, and trouble breathing. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 you will find the CDC guidance of what to do here.
For general questions about COVID-19, the DHEC Care Line – 1-855-472-3432 – is open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. every day.
The CDC recommends seeking medical attention right away if you have trouble breathing. But if you go to the ER, call in from the car so steps can be taken to keep others from being exposed.
Prisma Health has limited drive-through COVID-19 testing for patients who have electronic orders from their Prisma Health provider or from a Prisma Health Virtual Visit provider. Paper orders from physicians will not be accepted.
Prisma is offering one free virtual visit using the code COVID19. Doctors at Emory University School of Medicine have created this online tool to help people decide what to do if they have coronavirus-like symptoms. Finally, check out this guide from USA Today about how to safely take care of someone who is sick with coronavirus.
Where to find out the latest about Coronavirus in South Carolina
For the latest update on COVID-19 in the State of South Carolina, follow SCDHEC on Facebook or other social media.
The office of Governor Henry McMaster is posting updates on Facebook and Twitter and says they will keep the public informed via the local media.
Meanwhile, don’t fall down a social media rabbit hole. Legitimate news outlets such as the Greenville News are posting free articles regularly with the latest, well-researched information.
Ways to deal with the multitude of worries
The unfolding situation with Coronavirus has so many impacts and many people are suffering. Whether it is because of the health implications, financial and employment worries, or the stress and anxiety of isolation and an uncertain future, the following articles may be useful:
Here’s where kids can get free meals [Greenville News]
What workers in South Carolina should know if they lose their job [Greenville News]
Laid off? These businesses are hiring in SC during the crisis [Greenville News]
Anxious about Coronavirus? You are not alone [Greenville News]
Dealing with the immense uncertainty of the world [Zen Habits]
Are Greenville hospitals ready for the coronavirus? [Greenville Journal]
Domestic violence in the age of coronavirus: What happens when you’re stuck at home, but home isn’t safe? [USA Today]
How to help others
As you likely know, Governor Henry McMaster has announced the mandatory closure of all schools in South Carolina to slow the spread of COVID-19. Local nonprofits, restaurants, businesses, and people have stepped up to ensure children from low-income families who rely on school meals do not go hungry. Click here for information about how to help.
In the Nicholtown Community, the Eleos Ministry Little Free Library is doubling as a mini food pantry. It is located at the intersection of Glenn Rd and Alameda Street.
From donating masks to helping the homeless and financially impacted, The Greenville News has also compiled a comprehensive list of ways to help your neighbors here.
Globally, the coronavirus pandemic threatens so many vulnerable communities including refugees in cramped camps who are at high risk of transmission of COVID-19 because of inadequate sanitation services. One nonprofit, Doctors Without Borders is working to provide essential care to the most vulnerable. You can donate here.
A new way of life
For the foreseeable future, we are adapting to a new way of life. Whether that lasts weeks or months, it is important to keep physically and mentally well and adapt as best you can.
Fortunately, many churches and places of worship have been able to move their gatherings and services online. Organizations and individuals are also stepping up with free services and opportunities to learn something new, enjoy a home ‘work-in’ or find creative and interesting homeschool resources.
If you are wondering what to do to pass the time, here’s a list of Free Things That Weren’t Free Before Coronavirus. Parents and caregivers can join the Caregiver Quarantine Kit group on Facebook for ideas to keep young minds stimulated and curious.
Tell us your news
Let’s keep this community spirit going! We would love to hear from you and share your stories and resources. News about acts of kindness and stories of communities coming together are the things keeping us all going at the moment. Do you have an inspiring story from the community? Please let us know at hello@sustainingway.com.
Lastly, as promised we wanted to share some recent pics from the Sustaining Way garden. During these stressful times it’s uplifting to see flowers and baby plants blooming at Annie’s House. The white flowers are plum flowers and the yellow are turnip flowers. Nature changes constantly and so do our life circumstances. This too shall pass.