We have two health issues: 1) Systemic Racism and Police Brutality and 2) COVID-19.

My parents were involved in the civil rights movement in the 1960’s and at school during the late 70’s and 80’s,I thought we were making progress.  While racism and specific incidents have been in the news more often lately, this has been going on for years and years.  I’d like to think that I’ve been actively anti-racist and, at the same time, I wonder if my generation dropped the ball.  I would like to hear back from my Shaker Heights High School Class of 1980 classmates and others.

COVID-19 has impacts on health/mental health and business/personal/country finance/economy.  In my opinion, COVID-19 is going to be around with us for quite some time.  Be best we can do right now is slow down the curve as much as possible while continuing to ramp up testing and vaccines and ensuring medical facilities can handle flare-ups.  Only in this way will we be able to safely open schools and restart our economy.  To slow down the spread do the following:

• Practice physical distancing – stay 6 feet away from people, when possible.
• Wear a face mask if you leave home, but especially if you are around other people.
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow or a tissue. Wash hands afterwards.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home and away from people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.
• If you smoke or vape, consider quitting. 
• Follow guidance from public health officials.

Physically distanced and emotionally connected,

Jeanne