Time to Double Down on COVID-19!

As you continue planning for the Holidays, please keep COVID-19 as a focal point of everything you do. Most of us are weary of the daily tracking of COVID-19 statistics, social distancing, masks, and general separation from friends and family. However, we are a data driven society, and the data clearly tells us we need to double down on our efforts to remain safe from this novel virus. No matter which metrics or sources you use to make informed decisions, COVID-19 cases are increasing at an alarming rate. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp specifically commented during his COVID-19 virus update on December 8, that this team continues to watch the numbers increase and specifically are concerned about hospital bed availability, increased travel, and how Holiday plans may not reduce the spread of the virus.

If you are considering traveling during the Holidays, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the safest thing to do is to stay home, but if you do decide to travel, testing can help you do so more safely. Testing does not eliminate all risk, but it can help make travel safer. It’s also important to talk with the people you live with and your family and friends about the risks of traveling.

If you decide to travel, follow these safety measures during your trip to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:

• Wear a mask in public settings, like on public and mass transportation, at events and gatherings, and anywhere you will be around people outside of your household.
• Avoid close contact by staying at least 6 feet apart (about two arm lengths) from anyone who is not from your household.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
• Avoid touching your face mask, eyes, nose, and mouth.

You also should consider quarantining yourself when arriving at your destination and again upon your return home. For more information and data to make a safe and informed decision, please peruse these websites:

• CDC - cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html
• Coastal Health District - covid19.gachd.org/

On the positive side, Operation Warp Speed is on track to start distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to health care workers and nursing homes by the end of December. Although public vaccines will not be readily available for months, it is imperative residents continue to adhere to CDC recommended preventive measures.

Stay well,