PUBLIC HEAL TH ADVISORY
May 15, 2020
It has been 8 weeks since we were advised to "Stay Home, Stay Safe". Since that time we have all experienced a varying degree of financial and emotional hardships. We are frustrated because we are wanting life to return to normal, so that we can work, socialize, worship, enjoy group events, and look forward to our children returning to school. We are also frustrated because there is no defined timeline associated with the relief we are all so desperately seeking.
What we do know is that this virus spreads between people who are in close contact with one another through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings or even talks. Attending gatherings with people that do not live in our homes increases the likelihood of infection. We also know that even if you do not have symptoms, you could still be a carrier of the virus. As of today, May 15, 2020, we have had 3 members of our community lose their lives to COVID-19, while 132 have tested positive. The virus is still a threat in our community.
As we begin to reopen, we understand many people are eager to travel, to gather with friends and to be with their families. As we hear of other communities opening up, it is very tempting to travel to shop, dine, and recreate. However, we must stay strong and continue to focus on disease prevention strategies to minimize the risk of further infection. Physical distancing and wearing a cloth face covering in public are both important strategies that will help us protect each other as we move forward in the next phase of fighting this pandemic. Please understand that it is your personal responsibility to adhere to these protective measures so that you are protecting yourself, your family, your neighbors, and your community.
We appreciate the sacrifices you have made. We thank the grocery store workers and the gas station attendants who have been making it possible for us to obtain essential services. We thank the healthcare workers and the first responders who have been caring for our health and safety. We thank all of the essential workers that have been working through this to provide those services we require and to make our lives safer.
We have made progress and we all want to continue that progress to avoid a second wave of infection. Our actions make a difference. The actions we take will determine whether we continue to slow the spread of this invisible enemy or whether it will increase causing more harm, and potentially, more death.
We urge you to be safe. Wear a cloth face covering. Keep 6 feet away from those that are not members of your household. We have come a long way in the last 8 weeks. We thank you for your efforts and appreciate your patience as we look forward to reopening our Lenawee County community.