This post is sponsored by The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
This year has been a challenging one for many people in the United States, more specifically, for many people in the state of Michigan. When the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) hit in early 2020, I remember feeling anxious as to how we were going to overcome this; one thing I realized right away was that it would take collective effort to be able to return to any sort of normalcy.
COVID-19 is a new virus that medical experts are learning more about every day. Within the last few months, it has caused undeniable economic suffering for millions of Michiganders and Americans. The hard truth is that nobody is immune to it and thus preventive measures have to be taken in order to protect ourselves and those around us.
As a mother raising two littles in Michigan, I have felt the full effect this pandemic has had on my family. Our lives were flipped upside down since this started and they have yet to return back to the way they used to be.
Just like most other families, we haven’t been able to participate or go on with our daily lives pre-COVID-19. We’ve had to put a hold on many activities and outings we used to enjoy. Not being able to gather with our family and friends has been the hardest part of this pandemic. Simply these last few months have changed our way of life and tried to threaten our freedom to live.
However, I’m here to spread hope, not COVID. I believe we can beat this pandemic sooner than later. I believe if we all work collectively, follow safety guidelines, and stick together, we will be able to resume the lives we had and cherished pre-COVID-19.
A few steps I’ve taken to keep my family safe and to contribute to the safety of others
There are a number of steps we can take as individuals to help decrease the spread of COVID-19. Being a mother of two, I have taken responsibility in making sure my family is doing their part in staying safe and keeping others around them safe as well.
The first and foremost step in ensuring our safety and that of others is to continue to practice proper hygiene.
Below are steps I take to ensure my family practices proper hygiene during this difficult time:
- We make sure to keep sanitizer with us at all times. We sanitize our hands right after touching an item so that nothing is transferred between one item to another.
- Right when we’re able to use soap and water, we wash our hands thoroughly for 20 seconds using warm water and an antibacterial soap. We make sure to wash the top and palm of our hands well. Most of the time I wash my youngest son’s hands (since he’s young) to make sure he’s washing them properly.
- If we cough or sneeze, we make sure to cover our mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve so we limit droplets transferring into the air. Everyone has droplets in their coughs and sneezes. Droplets also spread when we cough or raise our voice. These droplets can carry COVID-19 to other people. Coughs can also spread droplets up to 6 feet away. Sneezes can travel as far as 27 feet. These droplets can land on someone’s face or in their mouth, eyes and nose; so ensuring we cover our mouths is essential in limiting the spread of this virus.
- Lastly, we make sure to wear masks when we’re indoors or outdoors in a crowded area. We keep masks in our cars so we never forget to put them on. (Tip for younger children: Have them choose their mask pattern that way they’ll most likely accept to wear it. My 3-year-old chose a black mask and said “just like mommy” while putting it on. Works like a charm every time!).
Let us work together to reopen Michigan
We all want to beat this pandemic and have the state fully open again. This will take the effort of each and every individual. The last thing any of us want is to reopen our state only to have it close again from another wave of infections and deaths. If we reopen before it’s safe, our health care system and economy will once again be at risk.
Since we’re headed into the winter months in Michigan, we want to make sure that we do our part in avoiding a second wave of COVID-19. A second wave coupled with an outbreak of another disease, such as the flu, would result in an economic catastrophe and our hospitals, doctors, nurses and the state’s entire public health system would be overwhelmed.
Below are safety measures we should take to prevent the spread of this illness:
- Practice social distancing at all times.
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water; if unavailable use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
- Keep masks in either a purse or car to ensure it is not forgotten. Wear masks at all times indoors and outdoors in crowded areas.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces daily.
- Avoid close contact when you are sick. Stay home when you are sick, except if it’s to receive medical care.
- If traveling from one place to another, quarantine for the suggested amount of days.
It’s never too late for hope
Although this pandemic has been challenging to live through, it has also been insightful. Throughout this year, we’ve learned that the more we work together as a community, as a state, as a country, the faster we’ll be able to get through these tough times.
COVID-19 has robbed us of memories, opportunities and our time. And yet, there is something it can never take away. Hope. Hope is spreading: to reopen, for a stronger future, for no more COVID-19. We can do this. We can beat this pandemic.
Uniting together will be the key to our success. Spread hope, not COVID. For more resources from The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, click here.