Facing COVID-19 as a Community

COVID-19 is a community issue, not a personal one. When something affects large masses of people, it transcends being personal. Vaccines, wearing masks, and social distancing are key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 within our community according to the CDC. These necessary actions are the responsibility of us all, especially those in positions of power. We’re in this together, and this is about protecting not one, but all of us in this community. We can’t afford to sit idly by or leave things up to personal choice when it comes to COVID-19 safety.

“The medical community is really struggling. The burnout currently present and the PTSD that’s coming for so many really scares me. The hospitals are in crisis mode and there’s no end in sight. Even outpatient clinics, like mine, have high percentages of staff members out resulting in delays in care services. We need the community’s help” says owner of M-Care Healthcare, Amanda Mogoi, APRN, FNP-C.

COVID-19 in Schools

It’s not just medical professionals that are seeing burnout and experiencing distress. Our teachers, students, and school employees are navigating the line between community responsibility and personal choice daily.

“I can only imagine the situation at the schools. My heart goes out to the staff that is being thrown into the middle of this pandemic amongst the unmasked and unvaccinated with no ability to require any kind of protection for themselves. I feel this is unreasonable and unfair to require of teachers and staff.” Mogoi adds.

Many schools are not mandating masks or vaccines, leaving community safety up to individual choice. This is affecting the lives of many as our community navigates pandemic protocols within schools. As a result, schools are closing for short periods of time because there simply aren’t enough staff to operate safely. Closed schools affect kids, parents and our communities. We must do better.

Protect Yourself and Others

Slowing the spread and ending this pandemic will take community involvement and dedication.

There are ways to protect yourself and slow the spread of Covid-19.

Get vaccinated. Vaccination may not keep you from getting the virus, but it will significantly decrease your risk of being hospitalized or dying.
Get your booster! If you’ve already been vaccinated, check with your provider about when you can receive the booster shot.
Wear a mask when you are outside your home and interacting with others.
Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands for 20 seconds in warm soapy water and use hand sanitizer as necessary in public.
Continue to social distance as much as possible.
If you feel sick, stay home and if possible, get tested for Covid.