VashonBePrepared: COVID tests, digital security, and how to call for help
Published 1:30 am Saturday, August 3, 2024
The summer COVID surge continues, so we’ve been getting questions about ways to obtain home COVID test kits.
Free home COVID tests were once widely available. That’s no longer true because the federal government lifted the official pandemic emergency declaration last year. So, what to do?
You can buy COVID tests right here on Vashon. They are sold at Vashon Pharmacy, IGA, and Thriftway. Demand has been high, so it’s best to check to see who has the tests in stock on the day you want to buy them.
You can also buy tests online at places like Amazon, Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart. The cost per test ranges from $7 to much higher. You will want to shop around.
If you have health insurance, some plans cover up to eight tests per month. Call your provider to learn about your options. Also, be aware that a few health insurance companies ask that you purchase the kits and then file for reimbursement. Check with your health insurance provider to get the lowdown on your COVID test kit benefit.
If you don’t have health insurance and meet the income level requirements, get signed up for Apple Health at tinyurl.com/AppleHealthSignUp. In addition to many other health insurance benefits, Apple Health covers the cost of two tests per month per covered patient.
If you are headed off-island, there are a few locations in our region where you can get no-charge COVID tests covered by Washington State Department of Health (DOH) from vending machines operated by testandgo.com. Visit testandgo.com/kiosk-locator to check locations.
You may have some tests on hand, but might not know if they have expired. The expiration dates for many kits have been extended by many months. Check the expiration date for your COVID test kits at tinyurl.com/TestExpirationCheck.
If you test positive, there are important steps you can take to lower your risk of severe disease and prevent the spread of COVID. We covered the topic in last week’s edition of VashonBePrepared, which you can review at conta.cc/3Wj4pjY.
Need help? 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Two years ago, a new three-digit phone number was launched to give rapid access to the national suicide hotline.
As the second anniversary of 988 arrives, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has finished a study that shows the strategy has been working.
NAMI reports that more than 10 million contacts have been made since 988 went live two years ago. About two-thirds of the surveyed callers report they got the help they needed, a significant improvement over the same statistic from the first year of 988 services.
However, the survey shows that only two-thirds of Americans know about the 988 crisis line. In addition, less than one-fourth of those surveyed are familiar with the services offered at the number. NAMI has vowed to increase awareness and educate people about the importance of mental health care.
Report food poisoning
Reporting food poisoning and filing a food safety complaint just got easier. DOH has launched a new online tool, the Foodborne Illness Notification System (FINS).
The new website, tinyurl.com/FoodborneIllnessReports, will help local health jurisdictions identify the source of food-related illnesses and respond more rapidly to outbreaks, reducing the risk of illness for future diners.
Food poisoning is caused by eating or drinking foods or beverages contaminated with disease-causing germs. Although it’s preventable, one in six Americans gets food poisoning every year. People over 65, children under 5, and people who are pregnant or immunocompromised have an increased risk of severe illness.
Prepare in a Year: Hacker safety
Last week, we wrote about ways to ensure you can access vital household documents after a disaster. You’ll need that information to recover from a windstorm, earthquake, fire, or other emergencies.
But what about hackers who might want to steal your data or identity? Here are a few simple precautions you can take.
• Understand that you are a target of hackers. Don’t ever say, “It won’t happen to me.” It can happen, and it has damaged the lives of thousands.
• Update your software. Keep your operating system current with automatic updates so your computer (or phone) has the latest security protections.
• Don’t get “phished.” Many security breaches happen because someone clicks on a link or a file in an innocent-looking email, text, or social media post. Signs of scamming include poor grammar, bad spelling, and offers of free merchandise. Don’t respond unless you know the sender.
• Use smart passwords. Make your passwords 12 characters long and use a combination of numbers, symbols, uppercase letters, and lowercase letters that don’t spell anything. Don’t reuse passwords because one leaked password attached to multiple accounts could result in a chain of damaging hacks. Consider using a password manager to help you do all this.
• Use two-factor authentication if offered. Two-factor authentication means a website sends a code via text or email as a final verification step before giving you access. Don’t fall for the “security audit” scam if someone calls or emails asking for your two-factor code.
• Install antivirus and anti-malware protection. These software protections help guard against an account invasion. Keep your antivirus or anti-malware software up to date.
• Run data backups regularly. Use two or more external hard drives and keep one at a secure location outside your home.
• Take care with public Wi-Fi. Do not log in to websites with sensitive information (bank accounts, etc.) while on public unsecured Wi-Fi, such as free Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, coffee shops, etc.
• Don’t send or download sensitive information via email. Instead, if possible, use a company’s secure online file server on its website.
• Do not use free public USB charging ports or cords at airports, hotels, etc. Instead, recharge your phone using your own charger and USB cord, plugged directly into an electrical outlet. Hackers have modified many public USB outlets to read usernames and passwords.
