WASH UP, BACK UP, MASK UP

After months of living with the uncertainties of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s safe to say many of us are sick of, if not sick with, COVID-19. But the disease remains no less present in our communities, and we must continue to be vigilant.

In a statewide address on July 15, Governor DeWine stated that the State of Ohio is at a critical point in the COVID-19 pandemic and requested Ohioans to take appropriate action to reverse the spread of the virus.

Governor DeWine commended Ohioans for doing their part at the beginning of the pandemic and reminded Ohioans that the choices they make today will impact the spread of the virus in the coming weeks. 

Let’s review what all of us can do.

Wash up because vigorous hand washing breaks down the virus. wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds – especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. In addition, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Back up because being too close to other people in an enclosed space helps the virus spread. The CDC recommends putting distance between yourself and other people outside of your home by staying at least six feet apart from other people, which is roughly the length of two shopping carts. Maintaining social distancing is especially important around people who are at higher risk for severe illness, such as older adults or people with underlying medical conditions.

Mask up because masks can prevent the spread of the virus through respiratory droplets. Wearing a mask in public has become an unnecessarily politicized issue in recent months. The fact is wearing a mask helps protect others and significantly reduces the risk of COVID-19 exposure. Remember, someone can have and spread coronavirus without having symptoms, and wearing a mask helps contain infectious respiratory droplets that might otherwise cause someone else to get sick. 

Business owners and employees are required to wear masks since May as part of the ReStart Ohio guidelines. In some Ohio Counties, masks are now also required to be worn by customers and anyone visiting public places.  

“You can disagree and not patronize local businesses that require masks,” stated Lori Reinbolt, president, Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce. “But your actions will have consequences for those businesses and in all honesty, many small businesses simply will not survive another mandated shut down. Wearing a mask when in public will help keep the local economy open.”

The Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce has been helping local businesses thrive for one hundred and five years. The Chamber will mark the 105th Anniversary of their founding with a BBQ Carry-Out on July 24.  

Visit www.orrvillechamber.com to access the COVID-19 Resource Center. The site continues to be updated regularly as part of the Chamber’s commitment to share information and to help make connections to resources.