Stay Informed: Where to Find Verified COVID-19 Updates

As part of our #HelpingHands series, we are highlighting different ways you can stay connected, stay healthy, and stay safe. Follow along for tips and tricks for making the best of uncertain times and staying in touch with loved ones.

Many of us have never experienced anything like the response to the spread of COVID-19. Working from home, self-isolating, physical distancing: all new experiences for most of us. Things are changing so fast, it can be difficult to keep track of what information is correct and up to date. Scammers will also try to take advantage of this confusion to spread misinformation through social media and text messages, and to launch phishing scams.

With all of the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, it’s important to get facts and information that you can trust. Here are some sources providing the latest facts in the U.S.:

· Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The CDC is providing updates of confirmed cases in the U.S., as well as practical information for staying safe and recognizing the symptoms of coronavirus.

· Coronavirus.gov: The official website for the U.S. Federal Government response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with specific advice for business owners, parents, and those who may be ill with coronavirus.

· Benefits.gov: If you have been financially impacted by COVID-19, this website has information about government assistance and additional benefits you may qualify for.

· Official local and state government websites: Local and state governments are frequently updating their websites with new information about the spread of COVID-19 in specific areas and up-to-date information about policies and procedures in your community.

If you see a post on social media or receive a text message that seems suspicious, or you aren’t sure about, try to double-check whether it’s accurate. We can all do our part by not sharing information from untrusted sources to stop misinformation from circulating. Having the facts can help you make the right decisions and stay safe during these uncertain times.