ALERT
CORONAVIRUS 19 PANDEMIC
Most of you will know that we now face one of the greatest health challenges of modern history. The spread of Coronavirus 19, responsible for the disease COVID-19, has been swift, international, and devastating. There is now no cure and no vaccine. For certain groups the disease has proved fatal on a large scale. Emphasis has to date fallen on the dangers to those 60 and older, but there are increasing cases – and dangers – for younger age groups. Those with compromised immune systems, respiratory problems, diabetes, and heart problems are particularly in danger.
Some will develop only flu-like symptoms: sore throat, elevated temperature, and coughing. For others, those symptoms may lead to pneumonia, that can be fatal, or other complications.
Below, you will find a list of resources on the topic that moves from specific aspects and consequences of the COVID-19 to sources of general information. We strive to be frank: hook-ups and casual sex are among the best ways to spread the virus. The first two items make that clear.
But reckless behaviour in these times threatens not only oneself and one’s casual partner. The disease can be spread by coughing and sneezing. Even those who are infected but asymptomatic can contaminate others. Thus the web of misfortune spreads, eventually touching friends and family.
During the 1980s (and beyond), the community faced the devastating scourge of HIV/AIDS. It was a time of tragedy. It was also a time of heroism, as groups and individuals cared for each other, supported one another, and as the community frequently found a new cohesion. Let us do so again. Protect each other as well as family and friends! Inform yourself about the disease; follow the instructions of governments and health authorities; bring to the community at large the pride of responsible behaviour. Social distancing and self-isolation are key.
If we are lucky, there may be a vaccine for this disease, but that is likely to take about 18 months to two years at minimum. We ask each of you, in the meantime, to contribute to limiting the spread of COVID-19. This too will pass but now is the time for positive action – even when that means taking no action at all.
New York City Department of Health (U.S.A.)
SEX AND CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19)
DON’T HOOK UP DURING THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN
Center for Disease Control (U.S.A.)
YouTube
HAND WASHING VIDEO/INSTRUCTION
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT HIV AND COVID-19
European AIDS Clinical Society
STATEMENT ON RISK OF COVID-19 FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV
CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19), HIV AND HEPATITIS C: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Q & A ON COVID-19, HIV AND ANTIRETROVIRALS
CANCER AND COVID19
The National LGBT Cancer Network (U.S.A.)
CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION
PEOPLE WHO ARE AT HIGH RISK FOR SEVERE ILLNESS FROM COVID-19
COVID-19 TIPS & TRICKS: STOPPING AND STARTING PrEP
COVID-19 RESOURCES
Hamilton
INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION ON COVID-19
ASK QUESTIONS AT phscovid19@hamilton.ca OR 905-974-9848, PRESS 1
IF YOU THINK YOU MIGHT BE INFECTED CALL 905-546-2424 EXT.7970
GENERAL INFORMATION ON COVID-19 AND A SELF-ASSESSMENT
TELEHEALTH ONTARIO: 1-866-797-0000
VIRUS FACTS
GENERAL INFORMATION ON COVID-19
Follow coronavirus news in Xtra under Resources
Business Insider
CORONAVIRUS LIFE SPAN ON VARIOUS SURFACES
A NOTE ON WILLS IN ONTARIO
In Ontario, for wills that are typed, the person writing the will must sign it in the physical presence of two witnesses who, signing themselves, witness to the fact that the writer has genuinely signed the document. Neither of the witnesses can be a beneficiary of the will or the spouse of a beneficiary. This witnessing is a legal requirement for the will to be valid.
In these difficult times, when we are asked to self-isolate, the Ontario government has made a change in the law to allow legal professionals to witness the signing of wills and powers of attorney through online video platforms. This will be of little help for most of us who do not already have a lawyer or access to a video platform.
There is only one way to make a will that is legal and does not have to have witnesses to its signing: Wills that are “holograph” do not require witnesses: that is, wills that are entirely hand-written and signed (and dated) by their author, the person whose will it is. Such wills are legally valid. In such wills clarity is paramount. Ask your partner or a friend (by phone) if your will is entirely clear.
SPECTRUM HAMILTON 