Health Resources

In accordance with CDC Guidance on Prevention & Treatment, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Some basic hygiene considerations include:

• Staying home if you are ill or caring for others who are ill
• Avoiding close contact with those who are sick
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Cleaning or disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces
• Maintaining six feet distance from others
• Wearing a mask

The government's 15 Days to Slow the Spread — extended to a 30 Days to Slow the Spread —initiative calls on all Americans to follow these rules:

• Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities.
• If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.
• If your children are sick, keep them at home. Contact your medical provider.
• If someone in your household has tested positive for the Coronavirus, keep the entire household at home.
• If you are an older American, stay home and away from other people.
• If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition—such as a significant heart or lung problem—stay home and away from other people.

All Americans are also encouraged to practice "social distancing," which calls for not gathering in groups larger than 10 and staying six feet away from others.

On April 3, 2020, the CDC recommended wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

On April 9, 2020, the CDC released guidelines for how "critical infrastructure" employees who may have been exposed to the virus can continue to work. National Public Radio reports on the announcement.

On May 20, 2020, the CDC issued guidelines to help states, localities and businesses to make plans to re-open safely.

Get additional information about the COVID-19 pandemic from these sources:

• World Health Organization
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus Resources and References
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Twitter
• National Institutes of Health
• Tennessee Department of Health

Health Insurance Resources

TBA offers group health insurance for TBA members. Humana is committed to providing answers and support in this rapidly changing environment. Please review COVID-19 Employer FAQs.

Humana has a steadfast commitment to supporting you and will continue to be in regular contact with the CDC, federal agencies, state authorities and provider partners to monitor COVID developments.

Mental Health Resources

In addition to health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Americans, including lawyers, are experiencing added stress and worry during this time. There are many resources available to help in these challenging times. The following are just a few:

Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program - TLAP is a free, confidential assistance program providing consultation, referral, intervention and crisis counseling for lawyers, judges, bar applicants and law students who are struggling with substance abuse, stress or emotional health issues. Judges, attorneys and others in the legal profession may also refer colleagues to the program. Contact TLAP at 877- 424-8527 or 615-741-3238. Read a recent message from TLAP Commission Chair Judge Michael Spitzer or download a two-page summary of resources.

Tennessee Bar Association & TLAP - The TBA and TLAP will host a free roundtable discussion on personal well being during challenging times. Licensed therapist and mental health clinician Lindsey O’Connell will provide an overview of the human stress response system and how to modulate this survival instinct to improve mental resilience and reduce the harmful consequences of overwhelming stress. Her presentation will be followed by a loosely moderated discussion, so bring questions and topics related to mental and professional well being during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABA Commission on Lawyers Assistance Programs - A summary of mental health resources for the legal profession during COVID-19. Additional resources posted online.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty

Harvard Business Review - "That Discomfort You’re Feeling Is Grief," March 23, 2020

Mindful.org - Resources for Calm During COVID Outbreak

Nashville Psych - Nashville Tornadoes, Coronavirus & Ways To Help Manage Your Anxiety

Substance Use:

• Alcoholics Anonymous - Online Meetings Directory
• In the Rooms - How to Sustain Recovery in Quarantine
• Al Anon - Electronic Meetings
• SMART Recovery - Online Communities

Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Free, confidential 24/7 support for people in distress; prevention and crisis resources. Call 1-800-273-TALK

Other Hot Lines:

• Child Abuse Prevention - 800-356-6767
• Parent Helpline - 1-800-CHILDREN
• Statewide Domestic Violence - 800-356-6767