Community Convo - First Thing's First: Safety
It’s impossible to ignore the new reality that the world is currently facing. Social distancing, isolation, and loneliness are just a few of the ways to describe what most individuals are experiencing day in and day out. But we wanted to change the name of the game with an ongoing conversation to reassure you that despite the distance, you are not alone. We are all in this together. At times it’s hard to believe that, especially considering the extreme measures we are all taking to lessen any interaction, but we are all facing the same challenges and fears. We are a community, despite the physical distance, and we intend to bridge the gap with our newest blog series, “Community Convo,” to help instill a sense of togetherness in what can currently feel like a very isolated world.
Our first priority in this new way of living is safety. Basic guidelines of self care and preventative measures will go a long way towards protecting ourselves, our loved ones, and the rest of the world from infection. The CDC says that the best way to prevent illness is by avoiding exposure. This is done by thorough hand washing (at least 20 seconds), using hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) frequently, and by avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands (easier said than done, right? We’ve all been there…) They also recommend to disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, and to cover any coughs or sneezes with a tissue - basic things we probably should be doing on a regular basis, and now likely will become habitual practice going forward! (Are your hands as dry as ours now?? Lotion, lotion, lotion!)
Social distancing is the next tool of choice for preventing the spread of COVID19. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person through respiratory droplets when someone coughs, sneezes, talks, or even breaths. Staying at least 6 feet away from each other can help to combat this, as the droplets typically won’t fall outside that range. But because humans are creatures of comfort, this tends to be the hardest part of all the safety procedures. We are pack animals - we crave closeness and community. However, prevention is key when it comes to combatting the spread, and it’s up to us to now change the trajectory. By following these basic guidelines of self care and prevention, we are doing our part to get the world back to how we once knew it, and we will be one step closer to feeling like part of a true community again! For more detailed information on how to protect yourself and others, please visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov.
References:
The CDC Website, Coronavirus Disease 2019: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html