CCSF Library: Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resources: Home

What is the coronavirus/COVID-19?

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel (new) coronavirus. Because this is a new virus, people do not have any immunity to it. Some folks have very mild symptoms while others suffer severe respiratory illness, even death.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a pandemic on March 11, 2020. WHO declares a pandemic when a new virus emerges and spreads around the world, and most people do not have immunity.

All 50 states in the United States have reported cases of COVID-19. There are currently no vaccine or specific antiviral treatments for it. The information on these pages will help you learn more about this disease and how to stay safe. Please let us know if you have any questions. We're here to help in this difficult time.

How do I ... ?

Protect myself and others - CDC
Make a cloth mask and use it correctly - CDC
Wash my hands the right way - CDC
File for unemployment - EDD, CA
Practice social distancing when I must go out - sf.gov
Educate myself about CoVID-19
Take a free online course from Johns Hopkins University.

Bay Area Resources

Differences between state and City Stay Home orders in reopening businesses
The City anticipates allowing some businesses to do storefront pickup as soon as Monday, May 18. See here which ones may be included.
Resilience Roadmap - California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
California is moving into Stage 2, where some lower-risk workplaces can gradually open with adaptations. Find details here on how these workplaces can reopen safely.
Remember that when there is a difference between State and Local guidance, the stricter order takes precedence.
San Francisco Extends Stay at Home Order Through End of May
Free tests for SF residents and essential workers
San Francisco Issues New Policy on Face Coverings
CCSF Official College Statement
Social Distancing in SF: What to Do
San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
Coronavirus Facts - SF Department of Public Health
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Basic information on the coronavirus, with a case and death total updated daily. Map of pit stops and handwashing stations at the bottom.
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - SF Department of Public Health, Population Health Division
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Includes information and guidance for the public and answers to many frequently asked questions.

Self Care

7 Things to Do if You Can't Leave the House
The Internet Archive has tons of free things to do online. Watch cult movies like Night of the Living Dead, film noir, historic comedies, and more! Play classic DOS games like PacMan or online board games such as Mah Jong. Listen to concerts! Find all this and much more here.
9 Best Herbs and Vegetables You Can Grow Indoors in Water
Regrow some vegetable and herb scraps in water in your kitchen to use in your cooking.
How to Cut Your Hair at Home
Directions and videos for short, long, curly, toddlers, bangs, mens, and womens hair cuts.
The Travel Kitchen by Lonely Planet
Ever wanted to learn how to make Vietnamese banh mi or German currywurst? Learn how to make these and many more foods from around the world here!

Stay Healthy

Places to go for information in other languages

Coronavirus - COVID-19 Facts - San Francisco Department of Public Health

Arabic	English	Spanish
Chinese	Filipino	Vietnamese

Coronavirus - COViD-19 - Hesperian Health Guides

Basic information available on what is coronavirus, how is it spread, and how to stay safe in English as well as 19 other languages.

COVID-19 Educational Materials - Washington State Department of Health

These fact sheets provide a range of information related to COVID-19 that are tailored to multiple audiences. You'll find materials here in over 25 different languages.