COVID-19 is real.
Covid-19 affects us all, whether we acknowledge it or not; however, it is particularly impactful on disabled people and other marginalized groups. We acknowledge that disabled individuals are inherently valuable and deserve access to public spaces, joy, and community. Here are some resources re: COVID, precautions, and why masking is paramount to community care.
Masking & Air Filters
[image description: one person with blue hair unmasked sneezes spreading large droplets and aerosols depicted as small red dots. Three people to their left are all masked, one pink haired person with an n95, one black haired person with a surgical mask, one bald person with a cloth mask. above the heads of all four people are images of each mask type, showing how aerosols and large droplets move through each mask. The image shows that n95 masks protect against both large droplets and aerosols. ]
- resources -
Masks4All Reddit | Forum to discuss all things masking, includes recommendations for masks, fit testing, and resources for where to purchases masks
The Difference Between KN95/KF94/N95 Masks | Reference Video #1 (2:30) | Reference Video #2 (4:44)
- philly specific -
City resources hubs | provides masks, tests, & hand sanitizers for free to individuals
City bulk supply request | for organizations or large events, specify KN95/N95 if you want respirator grade masks
The People’s Filter | abolitionist hub which can provide a HEPA air filter for events for free. IG @peoplesfilter
Philly Breathes | anti-fascist disability justice collective which provides masks for free. IG @phillybreathes
Find a values-aligned
healthcare provider
Zines
TITLE: Sour Queer Press: Pride and Rage Edition
SUMMARY: A collection of writings confronting neoliberal ideologies in queer spaces such as ableism, eugenics, and genocide denial.
TITLE: Mask Up! We Need You: Palestinian Solidarity, COVID-19, and the Struggle for Liberation
AUTHOR: Rimona Eskayo & Sheyam Ghieth (illustrator)
SUMMARY: Discusses the connections between the struggle for liberation and masking, such as the history of colonizers using disease as a weapon of war and genocide. Purchase of this zine directly supports Palestinian families!
TITLE: masking through blackness: mask fitting, self expression & community care
AUTHOR: sabrina sims
SUMMARY: An extensive resource about masking as a Black person, reviewing mask fits, hair styles to wear while masking, and discussions on community care.
TITLE: What’s Up with COVID and How to Protect Yourself 2024 Edition
AUTHOR: Hazel Newlevant
SUMMARY: A zine including COVID statistics from research studies and precautions you can (and should!) take to keep yourself and your community safe.
TITLE: The Sick Times Special Edition Zine
AUTHOR: The Sick Times (organization - multiple writers) & Katie Drackert (artist)
SUMMARY: Features resources about COVID-19 policy and advocacy updates; showcases art & essays by folks living with long COVID; and educates about mask blocs and clean air organizations.
TITLE: Why We Mask: It’s Not “Just a Cold”
AUTHOR: Laurel Lynn Leake
SUMMARY: Reviews the scientific basics of COVID-19: what is it, how does transmission work, what do symptoms look like including long COVID, and how can we keep each other safe.
Other Resources
How to talk to your loved ones about COVID
You Have to Live Your Life | Generates links to news + journal articles in response to common COVID-minimizing statements such as “you have to live your life,” “COVID is mild,” or “masks don’t work".”
My COVID+ Plan | An organized guide to walk you through protocol/steps if you test positive for COVID.
Masking in public can feel isolating, especially when you are met with hostility from strangers.
Laughter is a nervous system regulating activity than can ease the experience of anxiety in the body. Here are some clapbacks for when people ask you why you are masking.