As we all eagerly wait for baseball’s return, the most important thing is that everyone does their best to protect their health, as well as the health of their family, friends and communities.
To that end, here is a breakdown of what you need to know about coronavirus and recommendations for staying safe during this time, via the experts at both the World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC.
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold and patients with COVID-19 will be evaluated and cared for differently than patients with common coronavirus diagnosis. On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease. There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused be a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans.
The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or exhales, though it is important to note that someone could have only mild symptoms -- or perhaps even be asymptomatic -- and still spread the disease. There are two main ways the transmission can occur:
1) Person-to-person: This happens when people are in close contact (within 6 feet) of each other. If these respiratory droplets land in the mouths or noses of someone nearby, or are inhaled into the lungs, the virus can spread.
2) Via contaminated surfaces or objects: Respiratory droplets also can land on surfaces or objects. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about this virus.
There are several things you can do, and encourage others to do, to avoid infection.
1) Keep your hands clean: Wash your hands often, especially after spending time in a public place, and before eating. Soap and water work well, but make sure to wash for at least 20 seconds and to cover all areas of your hands, including thumbs and between fingers.If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
2) Avoid touching your face: As much as possible, try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth, especially if you have not washed your hands recently.
3) Keep surfaces and objects clean: This applies particularly to things you touch all the time, such as doorknobs, countertops, faucets, and even phones. Use water and detergent or soap to clean, and disinfect with EPA-registered household disinfectants.
4) Keep your distance: Practice social distancing. Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick, or who is coughing or sneezing, and refrain from gathering with large groups.
5) Stay home: Work from home, if it is possible to do so, and avoid spending unnecessary time in crowded public locations, for example by ordering takeout or delivery instead of eating in a restaurant. In fact, many areas have closed or put restrictions on businesses such as restaurants and bars, or even taken more dramatic steps.
While most people will experience only mild symptoms -- and about 80 percent will recover without needing special treatment -- about one in six will become seriously ill. Older adults and those who have serious chronic medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms.
It is believed that a person may develop symptoms anytime from 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus. The most common are:
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
Remember that we all are responsible for helping keep the people in our communities safe, using these measures.
1) Cover your mouth: If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with a tissue, if one is handy, and immediately dispose of it and wash your hands thoroughly. If you do not have a tissue, cover your mouth with the inside of your elbow rather than your bare hand.
2) Face coverings: To help slow the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
3) Limit close contact: The more people stay in, avoid public settings and refrain from gathering in large groups, the better the chances of limiting the spread of COVID-19, and protecting the people who are most vulnerable. That applies even if you feel fine.
4) If you’re sick, take extra precautions: Anyone with symptoms, even mild ones, should stay home, unless you are required to leave to get medical care (before visiting your doctor, call ahead). As much as possible, limit contact with others in your household, and avoid sharing items. You also can wear a face mask when around other people.
Major League Baseball has been engaged in a variety of discussions with stakeholders and charitable partners to identify ways to support individuals and communities who have been impacted by the global coronavirus pandemic. Most recently, MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association together donated $1 million to Feeding America and Meals on Wheels, and also announced a 30-Club, $30 million effort to support emergency relief for ballpark employees.
Please find below more information on how you can help those in need.
Help fight hunger as a result of school closures, job disruptions and quarantines stemming from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Please donate to your local food bank or Meals on Wheels affiliate to support hunger prevention and visit the organization’s websites below to learn more. Note that food banks, in many areas, are deemed an essential service and volunteer opportunities may also be available.
• Feeding America
• Meals on Wheels America
• Food Banks Canada
There is an urgent need for many different kinds of supplies for frontline healthcare workers. These include masks, gloves, protection suits, goggles, medical testing equipment and more. Health workers are also in need of food, lodging, training and support while they fight this public health crisis. Please donate or visit the following websites to learn more about these organizations on the front lines.
Right now, MLB’s official charity partner Boys & Girls Clubs of America is providing important services to help communities navigate this new and challenging climate. Boys & Girls Clubs are facilitating provision of meals and, in some cases, lending support to families of medical workers. Clubs have always played an important role in communities, and that is no different today. Click here to learn more.
Coronavirus has closed schools across the country. Right now, teachers need to get supplies in the hands of students at home to keep them learning, especially in our country’s highest-need communities. A new Donors Choose pilot program empowers teachers to get supplies - “personalized education care packages” - directly to students at home. Visit DonorsChoose to donate today.
Global Citizen, in partnership with the World Health Organization, has launched the series, Together At Home, aimed at unifying people around the world when they may feel isolated by the conditions of COVID-19 and asking them to take action alongside the organizations to increase funding for the WHO's Solidarity Response Fund.
Visit globalcitizen.org/coronavirus, where Global Citizen has curated several targeted actions through the guidance of the WHO to ensure that these efforts are directly impacting the global response.
• Crisis Text Line is a free 24/7 national crisis-intervention and counseling service conducted exclusively through SMS text. Volunteers use the nonprofit's web-based platform to provide emotional support to texters who are dealing with a wide range of issues– bullying, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and more.
• Career Village is an online platform where students ask career questions that are answered by people working, or that have worked, in that field. All you need is a LinkedIn account to start helping students become better informed about the career decisions they are facing.
The schedule for MLB's 60-game schedule has been announced.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth Development Toolbox app is available from Apple Store and Google Play. Used regularly by Club staff, YD Toolbox includes lots of fun activities and learning opportunities for children to engage in at home. BGCA is also providing access to its premier online learning platform MyFuture. Families and caregivers can access these digital resources to learn, create, play, and learn valuable skills like coding and digital arts.
In partnership with EVERFI, MLB's Summer Slugger program was developed to combat summer learning loss during vacation months, but is even more relevant for students now when they may struggle with knowledge retention due to school closures. The course -- designed for 4th and 5th graders -- focuses on math & literacy skills and teaches these concepts through a baseball-themed, gamified experience. We are proud to offer this resource to students across the U.S. and Canada during these challenging times.
Using baseball as the metaphor for life, the “Breaking Barriers: In Sports, In Life” curriculum is based on the values demonstrated by Jackie Robinson: citizenship, commitment, courage, determination, excellence, integrity, justice, persistence and teamwork. The curriculum, developed by Sharon Robinson, MLB and Scholastic Inc., supports standards in language arts, social studies, and character education. Click here to download resources for at-home learning, including lessons, printables, digital interactives, and video extensions.
Major League Baseball and Club-themed fun and educational at-home activities are now available.
Uncertainty amidst the evolving global Coronavirus pandemic can lead to greater stress and anxiety. MLB’s priority concern is for the health and safety of our fans and communities. Please click here for a great model for managing the anxiety associated with Coronavirus that was put together by Brenda Bursch, PhD.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor for free, confidential support 24/7.
