It's especially important for those 65 and over and those with chronic health problems or weakened immune systems...

As we enter into the second month of sheltering-in-place in the US, many are growing restless. People are filling the streets without masks on in protest of government regulations, beachgoers are flocking to the coast, and some businesses are opening in defiance of current recommendations. At the same time, media organizations are reporting that a resurgence of new cases, and therefore deaths, are predicted in the next month. Though warmer weather makes it hard to stay at home, it is just as relevant now as it was a month ago to minimize time out of the house for the safety of yourself and others. Here’s why staying home is important for your safety.

STAY HOME

Face-to-face contact with others is what you want to avoid, according to the current Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. What this means that if you do go outdoors for daily exercise, to shop for groceries, or for other things as nonessential businesses begin to reopen around the country, it is essential to maintain a six-foot distance between yourself and others and to wear facial coverings. Having large get-togethers is still not recommended even though we all miss our friends and colleagues. Following these guidelines helps to reduce the spread of the virus.

Especially for folks above 65, or those with chronic health problems or weakened immune systems, following the guidelines is essential for keeping the most vulnerable in the population healthy. Staying home not only can help save your life but the life of someone else.

INFORMATION IS EVOLVING

New information is discovered about the virus each day. And, though researchers are working hard to develop a vaccine, one is not available yet. As businesses begin to reopen, it is vital to remember that, in many places, new cases are still on the rise. The New York Times is offering free access to information about the coronavirus and has new cases and deaths broken down by states and counties.

SAFETY FIRST

We all wish we could be at a park barbecuing with family or watching a football game with friends at the bar, but the world will remain changed for the foreseeable future. While many people may be able to get back to work, the ways that we live our lives will remain changed until we make a breakthrough. We must do all that we can to keep ourselves and others safe. 

So why should you stay home during this pandemic? Because others- grocery store workers, bank tellers, nurses, doctors, hospital administrative staff, janitors, gas station attendants, police and firefighters, mail carriers, and many others- can’t stay home. Being careless puts those with essential jobs at risk. If we can do one thing to help during this crisis, it is reducing our chances of spreading it. Again, this is why staying home is important for your safety.

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