In the past six months, we have been learning more and more about COVID-19. We have been learning about the different effects it can have on our bodies, as well as the ways it can spread from person to person. Each time we learn more, it adds to our ability to prevent infection. In the same way, every small action we take to slow the spread of COVID-19 adds up. Every time we wash our hands thoroughly, we decrease our chances of becoming infected with COVID-19. Each time we wear our mask, whether in a public place like the grocery store, or while visiting with friends or family, we decrease the chance that we’ll unknowingly spread the virus. Each small action we take adds to our goal of slowing the spread of the virus in our community.

It all adds up

We have seen COVID-19 cases decreasing in our county, which is great news. It shows how the actions we’re taking are working to keep us all safer. Businesses have been proactive and made changes to their workplaces to keep their employees and customers safe. More people are wearing masks when they’re in public, being mindful about washing hands frequently, and putting more thought into how to visit with friends and family safely. 

Each time you make a decision and take action to slow the spread of COVID-19, no matter how small the action is, you are creating a safer community. When each of us make those decisions and take those small actions, they add up, and help to make our community even safer. Watch this video to learn more about how we need to use all of the tools available to protect us from COVID-19: https://bit.ly/3hZky8M 

Perfection Vs. Consistency

In a perfect world, to stop COVID-19 in its tracks, we would all stay home all day, and have no contact with anyone else until the disease went away on its own. Of course, we don’t live in that world, and we have obligations and jobs, families and friends. We also make mistakes, or have a lapse in judgment from time to time. We can’t all be perfect all the time, but we can aim to be consistent. If you find that you’ve had a misstep, just pick back up and keep moving forward with those healthy habits, like:

• Keep gatherings small: no more than five people outside of your household.
• Gather outside rather than inside.
• Wash your hands well and often.
• Wear your mask while in public.
• Maintain at least six feet of physical distance between yourself and others.

Each of us has a part to play in how we slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Every decision we make can move us forward, or set us back. We can all take those small actions like masking up, washing our hands, and maintaining physical distance from others. These actions add up to a safer, healthier Whatcom County.