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We Can All Make a Difference in Fight Against the Coronavirus

March 20, 2020
Tracy M. Richardson News

By Tracy Richardson

As your State Representative, I’d like to take a moment to thank all of those striving to protect public health and serve our community. There are so many people making sacrifices and doing wonderful work.

Our emergency operations teams, local healthcare providers, and hospitals are planning and responding to urgent demands and needs. Our churches and not-for-profits are ensuring the most vulnerable are helped. School districts are distributing meals for students. Local grocery stores are working to keep their shelves stocked. Finally, our neighbors are sharing their resources and checking in on those who may be feeling lonely or scared.

We have many compassionate, caring residents and that is what makes our community strong. Each day I learn about random acts of kindness shared with others and it inspires me. I’m encouraged and hopeful that we will not only get through this challenge, but we will come out of it strengthened. It is important that we continue to support one another.

As the situation evolves daily, even hourly, I encourage everyone to overcome each new challenge as it arises. All of us can play a role in fighting the coronavirus and slowing its spread.  Specifically, public health experts are suggesting social distancing and good hygiene habits.

First, there is social distancing.

What does this mean? For those of you who aren’t familiar, social distancing is avoiding crowded places and maintaining a recommended distance of 6 feet from others. The virus is thought to spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Other steps you can take include:

  • Wash your hands frequently, especially after being in public places. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer is also an option, provided it contains at least 60 percent alcohol. 
  • If you or your child is sick, stay at home, unless medical care is needed.
  • When you cough or sneeze, do so in your arm or shoulder, or use a tissue.
  • Make a habit of not touching your face. 
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

It’s also important that we stay informed with accurate, up-to-date information.  Some online information can be misleading or simply false so be sure to verify/check your sources.

The Ohio Department of Health has launched a website – coronavirus.ohio.gov – to help keep Ohioans up to date with accurate information that is critical to help protect yourself and those around you.

Another good resource is the Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov/coronavirus

As you know, coronavirus-related closures and restrictions have impacted many aspects of our lives. Our businesses are struggling, and unemployment rates are rising.

Below are a few state resources you may find useful:

Please know that my office continues to be available to serve the people of Marion and Union counties with any questions or concerns you may have.

There’s no question these are challenging times. But we can all play our part to slow the spread of the coronavirus to protect our health and the health of those in our community. We will get through this together!