Sent by Thurston County
Community Letter: July 24, 2020
Hello Thurston County! We are definitely seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases in Thurston County. The most common ways that people become infected is through travel, social gatherings, and others within their home. Now is the time to be physically distant, but socially connected. I have been using video chats to stay connected with friends and family. I hope everyone remembers wearing a face covering, practicing physical distance, covering a cough, and washing hands to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Together we can reduce COVID-19 cases in our county.
Yesterday, Governor Inslee announced new measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. Face covering is now required in all common spaces such as elevators, university housing, hotels and motels, and congregation settings. Changes to the Safe Start Plan affect restaurants and bars, weddings and funerals, gyms and entertainment regulations. Restaurants and bars cannot serve alcohol after 10:00 p.m. M., Indoor seating is limited to no more than five people from the same household, indoor seating is limited to 50%, play areas must be closed, and bars only have outdoor service. Weddings and funerals can proceed with ceremonies and a maximum of thirty people or 20% capacity, whichever is less.
Receptions are not allowed. The gyms operate at 25% of their capacity and the size of the group classes is limited to 10 people. Indoor recreation centers and card rooms must remain closed. Indoor movie theaters can operate at 25% of their capacity. These measures serve to limit situations in which people cannot maintain physical distance, as well as activities that carry a higher risk of spreading the disease. It is important to follow these measures and reduce the spread of COVID-19 so that we can have a safe return to public life.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a severe shortage in our national blood supply. Many people need blood when they have severe anemia or are actively bleeding. Receiving a blood transfusion can save your life. Donating blood is a good way to help people in your community! Blood banks have appointments available for people who want to donate. Blood banks have strict physical distancing measures to keep blood donors safe. Thurston County Bloodwork Northwest is accepting donations. You can schedule an appointment online at https://www.bloodworksnw.org/ or call 800-398-7888.
Don’t let the pandemic ruin your health! People still have health problems that need attention. Many doctors’ offices have video and phone appointments, as well as office appointments that are tailored to physical distance. For medical problems that cannot wait, such as heart attacks, strokes, severe abdominal pain, shortness of breath, and serious infections, it is vital to seek immediate medical attention. Caring for our health during COVID-19 may be more difficult, but health care resources are available. When something emerges, please don’t wait to seek medical attention.
While we all wait for the COVID-19 vaccine, it is important to remember to get vaccinated for other preventable diseases. I have spent time working with communities around the world where people walk miles carrying their children to vaccinate them. I have seen polio, measles, and tetanus have devastating effects on children. I have seen adults suffering from the late effects of these diseases because they were not immunized. It is important to use the safe and effective tools that we have available to prevent the diseases that we can. You can do your part by contacting your healthcare provider to make sure you and your family are up to date on recommended vaccinations.
As the number of cases increases, follow new guidelines designed to curb the spread of COVID-19. I ask that you support your friends and neighbors by following these steps. I know that when we all maintain our physical distance, we cover our faces, wash our hands frequently, cover our coughs, and avoid social gatherings, we can reduce the number of cases and work to achieve a safe return to public life.
Wishing you all the best of health,
Dimyana Abdelmalek, MD, MPH
Thurston County Health Officer
