I hope you and your families are doing ok as our world continues to battle the COVID 19 pan-epidemic. It has not been easy and we have lost many. Our country and the world are working together to survive and defeat COVID 19. There is talk about reopening stores and business, allowing hospitals and doctors to do elective surgeries. Governors are talking about re-opening schools while some have said their schools will remain closed till the fall.

We all want to get back to our ‘normal’ lives. I know I do. I want to be able to get back in the pool and swim and do water aerobics. I want to be able to go to church and receive Holy Communion. I have a niece who is graduating from High School and our family was looking forward to getting together to celebrate. We all want to get back to normal, but we have to remain vigilant and strong till we know it is safe. We need to have patience and be cautious. The virus is still dangerous so we need to continue with the precautions we have been practicing as they are working. I know it is not easy, but we need to do this right so we don’t have a relapse and make things worse.

Here are 11 tips that I hope will help.

1. Continue to physically distance. Stay out of crowds, and keep 6 feet from each other when you do go out and meet others. You can be social, but be careful.
2. When you go into a store or public place, wear a mask. Put it over your nose and mouth. This will keep you safe and those you come into contact.
3. Wear gloves when you are in the food store and clean surfaces after you put your food away.
4. Wash your hands often and try not to touch your face. The virus can get into your body through your eyes, nose and mouth, so keep your hands away from your face.
5. Get daily exercise. If the weather is nice take a walk, go for a bike ride.
6. Eat a balance diet.
7. Try a food delivery service instead of going to the grocery store. Many people have found they like this better.
8. Connect with friends and family. Use Facetime or Zoom so you can see each other.
9. Listen to the news to get updates, but not the political banter. Listen to music, color, knit or clean your house. Stay busy and make the most of the quiet time we have.
10. Stay positive. If you need help, ask for it. This is not a time to be alone.
11. If you are not feeling well, stay home. If you think you might have the virus get tested and take care of yourself. Most people are recovering with rest and symptom management. If you need to go to the hospital, don’t wait.  If you can, get tested and follow directions. If you have questions and can’t get your doctor, call 211, a free help line. Ask them for the COVID resources in your area.

The precautions we are all taking are working, but it might take a little more time. If you are in a state/area that is opening up, be careful. Stick with the precautions that we know are working. Don’t let your guard down….we still have a ways to go, but we are getting there.

Stay positive and stay safe.