Stay Home, Stay Healthy update

Covid-19 is a word that not one of us had heard of 4 months ago. It is now a word that all of us are familiar with. Covid-19 has changed all of our lives, one way or another. In Lewis County, we have 20 people who have tested positive. More people are using masks, taking necessary precautions during the outbreak.

Washingtonians are still under a "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order until at least May 5. If you are not classified as an essential worker, you are not allowed to go to work. This has been difficult, many businesses are temporarily closed all over town. If they aren't closed, their business has declined due to less foot traffic.

The small business in American will be impacted, no doubt about it.

Volunteer organizations have also been impacted, so many volunteers are seniors who have the time. Unfortunately, the senior population is most at risk so they are not able to volunteer as much. If you have young kids at home, volunteering would be a great way to use up some of the energy.

There will be a day soon, where we can all go back out and resume our ways of life. The difference will be, our usual way of life has now changed.

So, what do we do when the economy slowly starts to open back up. First, a mask isn't necessarily going to protect you from getting the virus, but the theory is, it will protect you from giving it to others. If you wear a mask and so does your neighbor, we can continue to flatten the curve. This is going to be important to keep the curve flattened.

Another issue that is being discussed is the use of gloves. Many are using gloves while out shopping. It is important to remember, they are for a single use. If you go into one store with gloves on and touch anything, they are now contaminated. It is recommended to use hand sanitizer or wash your hands after each store visit.

The most important prevention is also not to touch your face at any time. While many of us constantly touch our faces without realizing it, this is a very good way to fight the virus.

While all of us have been impacted, one way or another, it is up to us to fight to keep the curve flattened in our state to reopen our economy. Please consider wearing a mask and other protective measures while out in public where you can not social distance. Together, we can do this!