COVID MESSAGE 27-Please share widely
Note: The COVID-19 message will be on hiatus next week, but we’ll return the week of September 7!
PEOPLE, NOT NUMBERS:
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New case numbers each day continue to be in the lower range, which is good news. Our COVID working numbers (number of people currently in isolation and quarantine) has plateaued in the 185-190 range this week; we’d still like to see more of a drop there, too. The improved case numbers are reflective of more people wearing masks and social-distancing appropriately. A huge thank you to everyone who’s been doing it since the beginning, and a big thank you and welcome to the team to folks who recently got on board. Your efforts make a difference!
That said, what we do now is extremely important. Rather than throwing caution to the wind, it’s imperative that we stay the course and continue masking and distancing to maintain these improvements as best we can, and to defend against any potential new surges.
Speaking of masking, take a look at the attached graphic, which explains why N-95’s with exhalation valves aren’t the best solution for limiting the spread of COVID-19.
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How our brains numb us to Covid-19’s risks, and what we can do about it. As we just noted, it’s important for us all to stay the course right now with masking and distancing. It’s a challenge, though, since there’s no immediate, tangible reward for our efforts. We’ll all have times when we are tempted to slack off precautions. Experts say this backsliding is predictable. In the face of what feels like a chronic risk, we are less motivated to take specific action against the threat. Social scientists have long known that we perceive risks that are acute, such as an impending tsunami, differently than chronic, every-present threats like car accidents. Part of what’s happening is that Covid-19, which we initially saw as a terrifying acute threat is morphing into more of a chronic one in our minds. That shift likely dulls our perception of the danger. The more we’re exposed to a given threat, the less intimidating it seems. The way we assess cost and reward in this pandemic discourages us from taking actions that keep the virus in check. Read the attached article for more information about whether or not to trust your emotions when assessing risk during a long-term situation like a lengthy pandemic.
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THANK YOU
I just wanted to take a moment and thank everyone who’s read these emails each week, and to thank all of the individuals, businesses and organizations who’ve reached out to the Health Department and/or researched the CDC and state COVID websites for guidance on appropriate actions during this incredibly stressful time. Making major changes to how we approach daily life and daily business is challenging and often exhausting. Every single person and group and workplace have had their own struggles and stresses during this pandemic. We see you, we support you, we’re all in this together. Thank you!
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AS ALWAYS
- WEAR a mask that covers your mouth and nose
- WAIT six feet apart--give others space!
- WASH your hands frequently with soap and water, and disinfect surfaces
- ISOLATE as soon as you feel sick, and get tested
- QUARANTINE if you are exposed or tested for COVID
- DO what you can to NOT be a close contact with anyone
Remember a close contact is considered to be within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes and not wearing a face covering. Your best bet is to protect yourself and others by following the guidance above.
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RESOURCES
Please be sure to check reliable sources for COVID-19 information.
