Do’s and Don’ts of Staying at Home
There are over 10,000 people in Washington diagnosed with COVID-19. This is devastating — but — it is fewer people than we anticipated. We’re all doing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. This is encouraging progress, but this progress could easily be undone. It is critical that we continue social distancing, washing our hands, and preventing the spread of coronavirus today and in the weeks to come.
These efforts help flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic in Washington state. The slower the growth of people getting sick, the better our hospitals can respond to those who get severely ill, and the fewer people will die unnecessarily from this virus. For more information on our flattening curve, watch Gov. Jay Inslee’s “A critical caveat” video on your favorite social media channel: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Medium.
In the meantime, let’s review some of the do’s and don’ts of staying home to stay healthy:
Do: Walk!
A lovely walk around our neighborhoods with the people (or dogs) who live with us is great for our physical and mental health. We can enjoy the sunshine, clear our minds, and get some exercise.
Don’t: Drive to your walk
Please avoid the areas that crowd easily like playgrounds or walking paths. Stay around your home. If you need to drive to your walk, that is too far away.
Do: Celebrate important holidays with the people who live in your household
We may need to develop some new traditions this year. Enjoy your special observances. Celebrate with friends, family, or your congregation online.
Don’t: Have friends or family over
Get creative, but stay apart. Send a card; make some holiday phone calls; connect with your loved ones. Faith-based communities may find Snohomish Health District’s recommendations for staying connected helpful during this time.
Do: Garden
Are you still feeling that urge to stock up? A fun way to do that is to garden. Grow some high-producing vegetables, and if you still feel like stocking up by the time summer comes, you’ll have lots to freeze or can!
Don’t: Buy more than two weeks’ worth of groceries and supplies at a time
When we buy more than we need, it means other people are forced to go without. Make sure everyone can access their essentials by only buying groceries and supplies for the next one-to-two weeks.
Do: Protect yourself and the community while traveling to get essentials
Traveling for essential needs may include going to grocery stores and food banks, pharmacies, gas stations, urgent medical care, caring for an elderly or sick family member, and travel to an essential job. Maintain social distancing at all times when in public. Staying six feet apart from one another is absolutely crucial to preventing the spread of the coronavirus. If you are not able to be six feet apart at all times, consider wearing a cloth face covering.
Don’t: Make unnecessary trips
Don’t let that cloth face covering leave you feeling invulnerable. The most important thing for us to do is stay home as much as possible. The cloth face covering is one added level of protection, but it can’t work without also social distancing and washing hands.
Do: Your part
Spread the facts about COVID-19 and practice the habits that will protect yourself and your community. We’re all in this together.
Practice compassion
National, global, and state leaders — including Gov. Inslee — have declared the Easter Bunny, tooth fairy, and other magical creatures to be essential workers. A little magic is essential. Let some whimsy into your life and the lives of the children around you.
More information
Stay tuned to our blog for more information on how you can help stop the spread of COVID-19. Sign up to be notified whenever we post new articles.
Information in this blog changes rapidly. Check the state’s COVID-19 website for up-to-date and reliable info at coronavirus.wa.gov.
Answers to your questions or concerns about COVID-19 in Washington state may be found at our website. You can also contact our call center at 1–800–525–0127. Hours: 6 am-10 pm, seven days a week.
