Sponsored by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
2020 has been one for the books. No one could have predicted the virus known as coronavirus, covid, or covid-19 would do so much harm and cause so much upheaval to our lives. I think I can say, without a shadow of doubt, that EVERYONE is ready for things to be back to normal. I wish to remind people that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I have partnered with the MDHHS to gently remind Michigan the ways we can work together to spread hope, not covid.
When a virus like covid-19 emerges, it can take a very long time for scientists to develop a vaccine, and even then, one may not be fully immune to coronavirus, and will still be at risk for endangering others who are susceptible to the virus. You may feel fine, and never develop any symptoms, but we have found that about 40% of people are tested positive, and do not have any symptoms. Additionally, we are just about to re-enter our annual flu season, and if a second wave of coronavirus were to emerge, alongside Influenza and other respiratory viruses, it could be devastating to the state of Michigan, and of course the nation.
This is why it is so very important to continue to follow the guidelines in place meant to protect as many people as possible. We should be wearing a mask in public places, practicing 6-foot social distancing to the very best of our abilities, and obviously using good hand hygiene. Here in Michigan, we can’t afford another shutdown and the heavy economic burden that will come along with it. We can’t afford more lost jobs and we can’t afford to overwhelm the healthcare system once again.
Wearing a mask, while minimally inconvenient, is really not hard. Scientists and doctors have found that wearing a mask lowers the spread by about 70%. For me, knowing that I’m doing my part when I’m out shopping or doing other public activities, is a relief. I could not imagine knowing that I was possibly the reason someone’s elderly grandparent contracted Covid because I refused to wear a mask at the grocery store. I want things back to normal just as much as the next person, and I will do my part to work towards that goal. I already know a handful of people who have tested positive for Covid-19, and one person who spent a considerate amount of time hospitalized. This is why I wear a mask and wash my hands.
It is so important to have hope, and to spread hope in these trying times. It is very unlikely that any of us will live through another global pandemic, and we’re navigating uncharted territory. We have already made great strides in fighting this virus, so let’s keep doing whatever we can. I recommend keeping an extra mask in your car, just in case you forget to grab it on your way out the door. I also keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in my bag in case I go somewhere that doesn’t have one available. With all of us working together, we can get things back to the way they used to be pre-covid! Click this link to find out more information… Michigan.gov
#SpreadHopeNotCovid
