IMPORTANT COVID INFO
Please read for information on prevention and resources!
Bonjour RLN readers!
As you all know, Covid rates are currently surging, and the only thing of bigger concern than existing Covid risks and consequences is what we don’t know about Covid, long Covid, and the fallout of repeated Covid infection. As a community, we can take power back from this virus and make everyone safer, here’s how.
Masking. “But I’m in face!” I hear you, and you’ll see me unmasked in certain circumstances too, but even masking inconsistently is better than not masking at all. If you aren’t masking at the bars, mask at the grocery store, the train, the bank, work, etc. Doll up your mask to make it more pleasant! http://tinyurl.com/mtru8csd.
Antiviral nasal sprays. Did you know there are nasal sprays that can reduce your risk of getting Covid and they are affordable and ship pretty damn quickly (in my experience)? You can buy a single bottle for $18.95 here: http://tinyurl.com/247phcaa, but I recommend splitting a multi-pack with roommates, friends, etc., for a better value. This is especially good if you’re regularly in face and can’t mask!
Antimicrobial mouth washes. Many of you already do this, and some research is showing that regular use of antimicrobial mouthwashes (regular shit like Listerine and Colgate) can prevent Covid infection.
Testing. Remember when the government let us get free tests? Well you can request ‘em again! https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-testing.page. Rapid at-home tests are less effective in catching Covid in people who aren’t having symptoms, but again, something is better than nothing. You can also still access PCR tests with a 24-hr turnaround using the information here:https: //www.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-rapid-testing.page.
Booster shots. Get your goddamn booster shot: http://tinyurl.com/munbvcan. New, updated booster shots were released in the fall, so be sure to do your due diligence and make sure you’re fully protected!
Report positive cases. There is no shame in getting sick, but there is shame in not being honest about it and putting others at risk. If you’re having symptoms, test, and if the test is positive, let those around you know and stay home until the coast is clear. You can use this tool to calculate your isolation period: https://a816-health.nyc.gov/covid19help. Please use our Covid report form as well (it’s anonymous!) so we can send out an email blast to inform those in the community that they should get tested: https://forms.gle/cMx1Vi57oKJ2fjT6A. You can also use this form to let the community know if your illness will cause you to miss work and leave your payment info to request mutual aid!
Covid is not normal, it’s not just like the flu or a cold, and there is still so much we don’t know about its consequences. What we do know so far indicates that one can suffer long-term cognitive and physical deficits, which is frightening enough. It’s abundantly clear that the government at large is more than satisfied with leaving us to our own devices, but there’s plenty we can do for each other. Don’t convince yourself that there’s nothing to be done and that fighting isn’t worth it: it is. 🫰⬇️