Tulare County Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Haught strongly encourages community members to be mindful of the risk COVID-19 continues to pose to the health of our communities and to our most vulnerable populations. In an effort to reduce COVID-19 cases and deaths in Tulare County, we urge residents to use alternative means when celebrating Memorial Day this year.
“Every year on Memorial Day, we take time to remember the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform. As we remember those who have served, we also must remain vigilant in preventing further spread of COVID-19,” says Dr. Haught. “Many of the annual celebrations have been canceled, but you can still gather with members of your own households this Memorial Day weekend.”
Alternative ideas for this Memorial Day include:
- If you have a flag pole in your yard, lower your flag to half-staff in remembrance.
- Order and pick up a Memorial Day dinner for the family.
- Plan a BBQ with members of your single household.
- Place a red, white, and blue ribbon on your front door.
- Reach out to a veteran or service member you may know by phone or video chat.
- Post a picture of a service member to be remembered on social media.
The most important thing is to keep your loved ones safe and healthy and not risk their health by gathering with those outside your own home. Tulare County Public Health recommends the following essential actions to minimize risk and reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- Social Distancing: Continue to maintain space of at least 6 feet or greater; avoid gatherings of any kind; practice physical distancing.
- Cloth Face Coverings: When outside the home, the wearing of cloth face coverings (masks) by individuals is strongly encouraged to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 if someone is asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic. Avoid touching your face and eyes.
- Hand Washing: Frequently wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer often.
- Disinfecting Surfaces: Regularly disinfect high-traffic surfaces to prevent transmission from droplets that may have settled on surfaces or have been transferred to commonly used surfaces through touch.
- Stay Home If Sick or You Are Instructed to Isolate/Quarantine by a Medical or Public Health Professional: If you are sick or have been instructed to stay home by a medical professional, stay home. If possible, ask others to deliver needed supplies instead of going to the store. If you live with others, follow CDC guidance for caring for someone who is sick at home.
Staying home can save lives.
For more information about COVID-19, visit www.tchhsa.org/ncov and www.covid19.tularecounty.ca.gov