As COVID-19 cases rise in our community, it’s important to remember that this is a disease that anyone can get.  13% of cases locally are kids and young adults age 19 or younger; 50% of cases are people ages 20-44; 26% of cases are people ages 45-64; and 10% of cases are people over the age of 65.  We know the risk of serious illness is greater for adults over 65 and those with chronic medical conditions, but anyone can spread the disease, people of all ages can experience serious illness, and a positive case, on average, spreads the virus to two to three others.  That’s why each of us needs to take protective measures to help slow the spread.

Public Health keeps a rolling seven-day average of COVID-19 cases reported each day.  This number has been rising for about a month.  As of October 16, our average daily case count was 464.  On September 16, the average was 345.  This is much lower than we saw in late June and early July, but it’s a reminder of why protective measures are still needed. 

You can help! 

• Stay home when you’re sick
• Keep 6 feet of distance between yourself and others
• Wear a mask in public
• Avoid large groups
• Get a flu shot

Just like adults, the more people your child interacts with, and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread.  Returning to childcare or school settings means more social interactions.  As a result, you should limit your child’s interactions with additional children and adults outside of childcare or school to decrease the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19. 

As far as playdates go, having children connect virtually instead of in-person is the safest.  Families who choose to have in-person playdates should consider doing so with the same friends (rather than a wide variety of kids) who are also practicing everyday preventive measures.  Playdates are safest when they are held outside, with social distancing and/or masks. 

Resources for parents:

• FAQ page
• COVID-19 Parent Hotline. Dial 2-1-1, press Option 6 for COVID-19,
  then Option 3 to speak with a hotline staff member.
• School reopening dashboard

Most of us have been wearing face coverings for several months, but here’s how to make sure you are getting the most protection and value when you mask up.

Choose masks that:

• Have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric using a cotton blend
• Completely cover your nose and mouth
• Fit snugly against the sides of your face and don’t have gaps

Do not choose masks that:

• Are made of a fabric that makes it hard to breathe
• Have exhalation valves or vents, which allow virus particles to escape