Protect Yourself, Protect Our Community

I know this is a stressful time for everyone in Manatee County and across the nation. All of our daily habits are changing and we’re facing an unprecedented public health emergency. It’s vital that we come together as a community — while keeping our distance — to get through this challenge and come out strong.

With that in mind, I wanted to share some ways we can support each other so that Manatee County and all of our residents and businesses get through this time as smoothly as possible. (If you have any questions about health and safety precautions or what to do if you’re feeling ill, visit mymanatee.org/coronavirus or call 3–1–1.)

Buy Only What You Need

While it is important to keep a small supply of food, medications, and necessities on hand throughout this time, also remember to take only what you need and leave enough for your neighbors. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential businesses are NOT closing.

While you are encouraged to limit exposure and interactions with the public, you may return to these stores to get additional supplies as needed. Just remember to wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, especially when you’re in public places. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your face. Sneeze and cough into a tissue or your elbow. Follow basic safety measures to protect yourself and those around you.

Hoarding basic supplies will not help you, but it may cause your neighbors to go without important household items, food, and medicines that they need. Mothers may not be able to find diapers or formula for their infants; families may not have toilet paper or household products to maintain hygienic conditions; your friends and family may not have access to basic food supplies. Think of others as you prepare.

Support Local Businesses

We know that some non-essential businesses have temporarily closed to limit unnecessary exposure to the virus, protecting the health of our community and giving our health care professionals the best chance to help the sick with all of the resources they may need.

However, you can still support local businesses during this time. If you can, buy gift cards or prepay business owners for future services at businesses that have had to shut their doors for now. Purchase a gift card online for your favorite local restaurant. Text your hairstylist and ask if you can pay for your next few haircuts now. See if your personal trainer or yoga instructor can take payments over the phone for sessions that you’ll make up when their business reopens. You may not be able to use their services now, but you can help them get by until they’re back in business.

And don’t forget that many local restaurants are offering delivery and curbside pickup options! Some are even offering family-style meals for reduced rates. Now is a great time to check out some new restaurants or patronize your favorites. A list of local restaurants offering these services is available through the Manatee Chamber of Commerce.

Call Family and Neighbors to Check in

Now is a time for us to look out for one another. While it is vital to protect yourself and others by limiting contact through social distancing, you can still reach out to those who may need assistance. You can phone, text and even video chat with family, friends and neighbors with no risk of infection!

Call your parents or grandparents and make sure that they are staying home and staying healthy. Text or call your elderly or homebound neighbors to see if they need any help. Have a video chat with several friends — locally and around the world! — to keep each other’s morale high and to protect your own emotional health.

We may have to be apart physically for a little while, but we can still come together to get through this time. Our community is strong, and we will come back from this challenge even stronger. Let’s make sure we support and care for each other.

And remember: Make a Difference, Keep your Distance.