Resources For Farmers

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CAHNR COVID Research

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Resources For Youth and Families

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Additional Resources

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Avoiding Scammers

This information is courtesy of Alabama Extension.

As cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) accelerate, scammers are looking for ways to take advantage of the fears surrounding this widespread illness.

Read the article.

It's important to stay healthy! Here are some helpful tips for boosting your immune system, from senior Nutritional Sciences major Dea Ziso! View the poster.

Electronics may carry germs that pose risks to your health. Minimize your health risks by following these practices: Before cleaning any device, wash your hands. Apply clean water and soap to your hands. Scrub the back and front of your hands, in between your fingers, and underneath your fingernails for 20 seconds. Rinse your hands and dry with a clean towel. Make an effort to keep electronics clean and to use them on clean surfaces – desktops, tables, countertops, etc. Cell phones can become contaminated with germs, dirt, and oil. Avoid holding your cell phone against your face. Download the fact sheet.

COVID-19 Information & Resources

CoronaVIrus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory virus that spreads through respiratory droplets. These droplets are released when an infected person coughs or sneezes; they are inhaled or ingested by non-infected individuals who then become infected with the virus. There is no existing vaccine against COVID-19. The best way to not get sick is to practice prevention. Hand washing, social distancing, and more information is available here. There are additional resources available from the CDC.

COVID-19 and Pets

A message from CDC: There is no reason at this time to think that any animals, including pets, in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus that causes COVID-19. To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States.

COVID-19 and Animals: Is Coronavirus a Concern for Pets?

How to Stay Healthy Around Pets

COVID-19 Vaccine

The impact of COVID-19 on our lives, our activities, and our freedom has affected us all. The responsibility is ours, as a community, to help stop this virus. Now we have a new, safe, and effective tool to help us do that—COVID-19 vaccines.

Have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine? Want to learn? Click here for more information.

Our UConn 4-H program coordinated with dairy cooperatives, 4-H members and volunteers, and the UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program to have dairy products donated and delivered to food pantries statewide. These products are helping feed families in need throughout the state. We've had two days of dairy donations and deliveries and our efforts will continue. To date, our team has helped distribute 1440 half gallons of milk (720 gallons) and 28,000 pounds of yogurt and sour cream so far, and another 7,200 half gallons Monday (3,600 gallons).

Watch the video.

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) helps families learn about healthy eating, shopping on a budget, cooking and physical activity. EFNEP staff strive to empower participants, providing knowledge and skills to improve the health of all family members. Participants learn through doing, with cooking, physical activity and supportive discussions about nutrition and healthy habits.

Olivia Knight and Yutin Zhao, our students, have been creating flyers and information related to keeping your family healthy and safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Resources on our page can be downloaded or printed by clicking on the image. Visit the page.

Food Safety Resources

Hand Washing and Hand Sanitizers

How do you keep your high touch surfaces clean? We explain the best way to disinfect, and all of the surfaces you should consider.

Infection Prevention Action Steps

Our UConn 4-H team developed the following fact sheet for 4-H youth during public health emergencies. The action steps can be used by any family, group, or organization.

View the fact sheet.

Managing Stress - You and Your Families

In this challenging time, we need to take care of each other and especially ourselves. Self-care is important to our physical and mental health. We all deserve self-care, especially now. Please consider these resources on coping with stress and talking to your children. View the resources.

UConn Today also posted this article: Coping with COVID? Mastering Social (But Not Emotional) Distancing

Mapping the Novel Coronavirus Outbreak

The maps and charts in this story are updated daily. For guidelines on coronavirus prevention and mitigation, please visit the CDC.

In just three months, the novel coronavirus has spread to more than 180,000 people around the globe, led to over 7,000 fatalities, and disrupted the lives of millions, according to official and unofficial statistics compiled by researchers at Johns Hopkins University. View the story map. View country, and state specific data here.

Your kitchen cabinet may be stocked with adequate cleaning agents to kill Coronaviruses, but you need to be careful as not all chemicals will work. Each disinfecting chemical product has its own specific instructions. An important rule is that you should not immediately wipe a cleaning solution off as soon as you have sprayed it on a surface. It needs to sit for a specified period of time (specific to each product) to kill viruses first.

Read more.

This information is courtesy of the CDC and available in multiple languages.

Grocery Shopping, Take-Out, Banking, Getting Gas, and Doctor Visits.

As communities across the United States take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 by limiting close contact, people are facing new challenges and questions about how to meet basic household needs, such as buying groceries and medicine, and completing banking activities. The following information provides advice about how to meet these household needs in a safe and healthy manner. Read more.

Trails and Parks

Going to a park or a trail is an option during COVID-19. Just remember to practice social distancing. Use this infographic as a guideline. Read more information on trail use.

Find a trail.

Wipes Clog Pipes!

Do not flush disinfecting wipes or paper towels down the toilet - they will clog pipes. Throw them in the trash instead. Read more.

Con la pandemia, es muy importante desinfectar productos y superficies con desinfectantes y métodos eficientes. Vea el documento para obtener mas información sobre guias generales y agentes de limpieza recomendados para matar el Coronavirus en su hogar.

Agentes de Limpieza Recomendados Para Matar el Coronavirus en su Hogar

Between Jobs: Moving Forward Following Unemployment

Losing a job can be one of life’s most stressful events. It is not unusual for people who have recently become unemployed to experience several different emotions associated with this loss. Once you are over the initial shock, you will need to begin adjusting to this new reality. Though it is a difficult situation to accept, there are things that can be done to reduce the stress of job loss and begin to prepare for the future.

Download the fact sheet.

Cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces is more important than ever. We curated a variety of resources to help you keep your high touch surfaces clean and protecting your health. Click here to view.

Help Protect Yourself and Others from COVID-19. Here are some helpful informational guides from the CDC:

Protect Yourself and Others From COVID

Slow the Spread

Do it for Yourself and Your Friend

Safety Steps - Aquatic Venues

Wear a Face Covering

COVID-19 Risk Chart

What activities put you more at risk of getting COVID-19?

The Texas Medical Association has created a chart ranking activities from low to high risk.

Click here to view the chart.

Chemicals in disinfecting products can create toxic acids or gases if not handled correctly. When disinfecting, rules must also be followed to ensure the best effectiveness of the product.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed the following guidelines to ensure the safe use of EPA-registered surface disinfectants:

• Always follow the product’s directions
• Never apply the product to yourself or others. Do not ingest disinfectant products. This includes never applying any product on List N (the agency’s list of disinfectants to use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19) directly to food.
• Never mix products unless specified in the use directions. Certain combinations of chemicals will create highly toxic acids or gases.
• Wash the surface with soap and water before applying disinfectant products if the label mentions pre-cleaning.
• Follow the contact time listed for your product on List N. This is the amount of time the surface must remain visibly wet to ensure efficacy against the virus. It can sometimes be several minutes.
• Wash your hands after using a disinfectant. This will minimize your exposure to the chemicals in the disinfectant and the pathogen you are trying to kill.

Emergency Food Resources

Food access can be challenging. The state has a list of town locations where children under the age of 18 can get resources. Download the list of towns or the list of school districts. There are also mobile pantries available - here is the list. You can see the Connecticut Food Bank schedule here.

View the list Fairfield County emergency food resources list.

View the New Haven County emergency food resources list.

Other resources include a texting tool for the mobile Foodshare schedule. For up-to-date information on the Mobile Foodshare schedules and cancelations please enroll: Text FOODSHARE to 85511 and follow the prompts. All prompts must be answered before enrollment is complete. Foodshare is also working with their partner programs and 211 to update community programs hours and availability.

Food and Cooking Resources During COVID-19

Do you have questions about what food products to have on hand, finding health recipes, keeping food safe, or cooking with your kids? Use the following resources to find healthy recipes, information and more.

Download the list.

Have you been thinking about starting your own vegetable garden while staying home and staying healthy? Now is the perfect time to select some seeds or starter plants and get started. See all of the resources at: https://bit.ly/GrowYourOwnVegetables

The Healthy Family Connecticut website has resources from three projects that offer communication and outreach on nutrition and healthy families. Materials and classes are offered in English and Spanish. The goal is to improve family dietary quality and energy balance in families. Visit the website.

Map of Open Farms and Farm Stands

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, CT Northeast Organic Farming Association has partnered with the CT Dept of Agriculture to expand the list of farms, farmers' markets, and farm stands beyond the current CT NOFA membership - free of charge and online. It is a joint effort to promote the availability of all Connecticut farmers who can provide food and other farm products in this time of crisis. Note: Read all signs and use caution when visiting farms, markets, and grocery stores and be sure to stay away from all food establishment if you feel sick. View the interactive map.

With the pandemic, it is important to make adjustments to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus and protect public health and product safety.

View the attached resources on poultry guidance and learn more about the best practices and protocols when handling backyard poultry and for biosecurity.

COVID-19 Guidance for Handling Bird and Backyard Flocks: Backyard Poultry Guidance

COVID-19 Guidance and Fact Sheet for Poultry Biosecurity: Poultry Biosecurity Guidance

Request for Personal Protective Equipment

At the direction of Governor Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the State of Connecticut has activated a framework for donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer’s body from injury or infection that are utilized by people providing healthcare services.

Members of the public, businesses, and philanthropic organizations that are able to donate these vital materials are urged to contact the state by filling out the online form located at www.211ct.org/DonationsCOVID19.

Stay Safe and Healthy in Your Home Using CDC Guidelines

We are all doing our best to stay safe and healthy during COVID-19. We recommend using these guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help keep you, your family, and home healthy and safe.

View all of the tips.

The CDC states: If you have a fever or cough, you might have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Read more.

Work-Life Health and Wellness

The Department of Human Resources at UConn offers work-life health and wellness resources that are valuable to anyone during this challenging time.

View the website.

CARES Resources for Small Businesses

Senator Murphy suggests if business or nonprofit owners/CEOs have questions about what they qualify for or help with the applications, they can reach out to any of these offices for assistance. 

CT DECD Recovery Bridge Loan Program

The state of Connecticut has set up a website with information for small businesses and non-profits to secure a loan. This is to provide emergency cash flow relief to small businesses and nonprofits negatively impacted by the coronavirus. Connecticut is now offering qualifying organizations with 100 or fewer employees access to no-interest loans.

Under the Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan program, a qualifying business or nonprofit organization can apply for a loan of up to $75,000 or three months of operating expenses (whichever is lesser).

All of the information can be found at https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Coronavirus-Business-Recovery/CT-Recovery-Bridge-Loan-Program

What Dairy Farmers Must Know About COVID-19

The recent COVID-19 events and realities are unprecedented. We are truly seeing history being made that will have an effect on the dairy industry and society as a whole. Hoard's Dairyman provides the following information for dairy farms in English and Spanish. 

Read the article.

Farmers' Markets and On-Farm Markets

The following information was prepared by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

Farmers' markets and on-farm markets are encouraged to follow the COVID-19 guidance for farm and distribution preparedness, in addition to the following recommendations developed for farmers' markets.

Read the recommendations.

Important Information for Aquaculture Farmers

We have curated a list of resources for aquaculture farmers in coordination with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. Resources for Aquaculture Farmers

NOAA Suspends Northeast Fishing Monitor Requirement

UConn Extension hosted a Q&A session with the Small Business Association (SBA) on relief programs available. You can view the powerpoint presentation slides and video of the full presentation.

This powerpoint from SBA does not include updated information that farms are now eligible for EIDL loan, so please disregard info on slides 13 and 19 that say otherwise.

Respiratory Protection Guidance

The Environmental Protection Agency has released temporary guidance on respiratory protection for agricultural pesticide handlers during COVID-19. Read more.

The following flowchart will help you determine if you are meeting your needs for respiratory protection:

English: Decision Making Tree

Español: árbol de decisiones

For more information on respirators for handling pesticides view: Respirators for Handling Pesticides: Jan Hygnstrom

With the country re-opening it's important to stay updated with guidelines. UConn Extension is working closely with the CT Department of Agriculture to provide the most updated and useful information. Attached are resources for farms with pick-your-own operations, CT farmers, CT farm stands, and stores along with food safety guidance.

Farm Stands, Stores, & CSA Guidance June 29

Pick- Your-Own Guidance June 29

Cornell PYO Flow Chart

Additional Resources:

Food Safety In CT

Resources From Web-Ex Meeting

Farm Bureau Virtual Town Hall Meeting

Farm Bureau hosted a virtual town hall meeting for farmers on Monday, March 23, 2020 with the Department of Agriculture, USDA Farm Service Agency and Extension. You can watch the recording of the town hall here.

Farms and On-Farm Deliveries

The following information was prepared by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture recommends farms adhere to the following guidance to limit exposure and risk related to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). As always, it is critical to practice biosecurity for the safety of animals and the public. It is now critical to also consider ways to limit person-to-person contact and congregate in settings of no more than 10 people while maintaining social distance. Read the recommendations.

Nursery and Landscape Professionals

The Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association has guidance for professionals working in these fields, related to COVID-19. President Dustyn Nelson sent out a message to all members of the association.

View the message.

Resources from the Department of Agriculture

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture has compiled information from various sources for your reference to help support your business and to protect yourself, employees, and consumers. 

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, including guidance and other resources, visit ct.gov/coronavirus. General questions can also be answered by calling 2-1-1 for assistance. The hotline is only intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms. Anyone experiencing symptoms is strongly urged to contact their medical provider to seek treatment. View all resources.

UConn Soil Testing Lab is Open

EPA Approves 13 Products from List N as Effective Against SARS-CoV-2

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that 13 products on List N, EPA's list of products expected to kill SARS-CoV-2, have completed laboratory testing for use specifically against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Read More.

View the List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-Cov-2 (COVID-19) here.

Debido a la pandemia de COVID-19, es probable que habrá escasez de Equipo de Protección Personal (PPE por sus siglas en inglés). El PPE que figura en la etiqueta del pesticida es el requerido legalmente para los aplicadores de pesticidas. Siempre siga las instrucciones de la etiqueta. Este diagrama de flujo le ayudará a determinar si su protección respiratoria cumple con los requisitos de PPE en las etiquetas.

Para ver el diagrama presione aquí.

4-H Healthy Living Activity Guide

Looking for some easy ways to keep your kids engaged and learning at home? Check out the 4-H #InspireKidstoDo Activity Guide to find 60 hands-on learning activity ideas! Download the activity guide.

Courtesy of National 4-H

Activities to Keep Kids Learning at Home

Our UConn 4-H team curated the following resources to help you keep your kids learning at home, including virtual field trips, STEM activities, and healthy lifestyles.

Download the full list of activities.

Dairy Virtual Field Trip & Nutritional Resources

Have you HERD? Discovery Education has partnered with National Dairy Council and America’s dairy farm families and importers to bring your 5th–8th grade classes behind-the-scenes of the dairy community! Learn more.

Educational Activity: Beach Walk

Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt!

Get outside with our UConn 4-H team. We have created two nature scavenger hunts for the youth in your family to enjoy. Download Scavenger Hunt One and Scavenger Hunt Two.

Things to do While School is Closed

It is time to get creative to find some constructive ways to fill our time. It won’t take long before the board games have been played, the favorite TV shows have been watched and everyone in the house is starting to get cabin fever. In an effort to help you stay focused on something other than COVID-19 and how you are getting bored, our UConn 4-H team is passing along a few sites where you can find hands-on, educational activities to keep your brains exercised. Here are some suggestions.

52 Weeks of Creativity with Crayola

Serve creative challenges to your kids regularly. Enjoy a different creative activity each week with 52 Creative Ideas for 52 Weeks of Fun from Crayola!

Download the list.

Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry: Puppet Workshops

Keep the kids entertained with some arts and crafts!

The Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry is hosting live puppet workshops on their Facebook page. If you can't attend, videos are still available after on Youtube and Facebook.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BallardInstitute/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3VSthEDnYS6ZjOwzT1DnTg

Activities For Kids

4-H staff in Vermont are offering programs on a variety of topics where youth can meet new friends and try new activities.

View the list of available activities here.

Children Home from School: Advice for Parents

The CDC offers advice for parents who have children home from school - advice includes information on their friends, keeping children learning, and staying healthy. Read all of the guidelines.

The Museum of Science in Boston is hosting live virtual events.

Learn more and attend the events.

Make Your Own Mask At Home - 4-H Masks

West Virginia Extension created a video tutorial on making your own mask at home. You can watch it here.

Tips for Parents and Caregivers of Children

There is a lot you can do to help keep your children safe and healthy. The CDC compiled this list of tips for parents and caregivers of children. Read all of the CDC tips.

4-H Pest or Guest Game

Therese from our New London County 4-H program made this game using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) curriculum from UConn. Do you know if these insects are a pest or a guest?

https://matchthememory.com/nlc4hpestorguest

COVID-19 Simulation Scratch Activity

Use Scratch, a kid-friendly program, to create a COVID-19 simulation with bouncing dots. This simulation provides a visual of how the virus spreads through contact. This activity can help kids understand what "social distancing" is and how it is an effective preventable measure.

The activity and directions are available at:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/stem-activities/program-covid-19-simulator-scratch?from=Newsletter#instructions

The Secret Clover Quest

Cris Clover needs your help to find his secret clover stash.  As part of our 4-H virtual escape adventure you will journey through a series of rooms, solving a host of puzzles and challenges along the way.  You must successfully solve each puzzle to unlock the door to the next.  There are trivia, iSpy, secret code and word scramble challenges to explore as you work your way through each room on your way to Cris Clover’s secret stash.  Are you ready to navigate your way through this virtual mission?  Cris is counting on you!!”

·        Best suited for players 8-14 years old (open to all ages)

·        Recommend larger screen for best results (some graphics will be hard to see on a phone or small screen)

·        Game Link: https://forms.gle/EKucA2LsGUtqrmNW6

October Activity Calendar

Participate in STEM-related activities with us all month long!

To download a printable pdf click here.

Guidance for Industry (FDA)

Horticulture Resources

Households Living In Close Quarters (CDC)

How to Wash Your Hands (NY Times)

Industry and Consumer Assistance (FDA)

Meeting Engagement Tools

Message for Farmers from Farm Credit East

National Milk Producers Federation Resources

New Haven Schools Meal Pick Up

Non-Profit Support

Quarantine Fatigue is Real

Quick Reference: Tips and Tricks for Planning a Virtual Meeting

SBA Disaster Loan Assistance (EIDL)

Small Business Express Program

TED: The Fight Against Viruses

UConn Coronavirus Information Page

Unemployment Information - State of Connecticut

USDA Coronavirus Resources

USDA Press Releases about COVID-19

What to do if you are Sick with COVID-19 (CDC)