People are urged to stay home to help slow and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Washington County leaders are reiterating the message to stay home as much as possible. As of Friday, Washington County has 43 confirmed positive cases of the novel coronavirus, the fourth highest in the state behind Linn, Johnson, and Polk Counties. Also, Washington County has had three deaths reported which represents a quarter of the deaths for the state.

Washington County Public Health Director Danielle Pettit-Majewski shares how people can protect themselves and their families, “I cannot stress enough the need to limit your exposure. If you’re going to the grocery store anyway, or let’s say you’re sending your spouse to the grocery store, check in with your neighbors. Check in with your elderly neighbors, especially, see if they need you to pick up anything for them. Help them limit their exposure. If you are going to go, just send one person. Because not only will that help protect your family, that’s going to help protect the workers in the grocery stores. And they’ve been doing an amazing job, they’re also on the frontlines. You hear a lot about the healthcare workers, and they are doing amazing, but we also want to protect those frontline staff workers in our grocery stores.”

She adds that staying home doesn’t have to mean staying inside. People can get some activity outdoors with people they live with by going on walks or a bike ride, or gardening in their yards.

Remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when you’re ill.