Prevention

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the coronavirus. Wash your hands frequently, practice cough etiquette, stay home when possible and maintain social distancing. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick and www.mass.gov/covid19.

If You Think You’re Sick

The key symptoms of COVID-19 are a fever, a cough and shortness of breath. Find an online diagnostic tool and testing information at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing. Don’t just go to a testing site, the doctor’s office or hospital. Call your primary care doctor first. If you don’t have a family physician, call Cape Cod Healthcare at 508-862-5595 to be screened by telephone. Isolate yourself from others in your home until you know whether you have COVID-19.

Financial Resources

If the virus emergency is causing you financial problems, begin by calling your bank to find out what programs may be available to help. Find out about unemployment assistance at www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-unemployment-benefits. If you are a small business owner, contact the Lower Cape Community Development Partnership at contact@capecdp.org.

Feeling anxious?

Try limiting your exposure to social media and virus-related news, or chat with friends and family by telephone or video-conference. Exercise regularly, eat healthy foods and get plenty of sleep. If you are already under the care of a mental health professional, call to report any new or worsening symptoms. If you feel overwhelmed, call or text the Samaritans at 877-870-4673.

For Other Types Of Help

For referrals to all types of assistance, call 211 or visit www.mass211.org. Chatham residents can also call the town’s emergency operations center at 508-945-5191 or by email at chathameoc@chatham-ma.gov.