In normal times as the calendar turns to August, the excitement of beginning a new school year is highly anticipated. Both teachers and students anxiously wait for the beginning of the school year: the excitement of beginning new adventures, the anticipation of what the school year will bring, the thrill of the upcoming fall sports seasons, and the excitement of seeing friends and colleagues once again. This August is unlike any we have seen in our lifetime and is marked by a heightened anxiety and dread of what this year will bring in this time of COVID19 (novel coronavirus). The excitement of beginning school is now replaced with many questions and worry about the future. The age of COVID is a time of uncertainty, but taking simple steps will help to overcome this virus and can help us all feel safer, and begin a “new normal” in our lives. It is imperative, at this time to follow basic hygiene in order to 38 August 2020
protect not only ourselves but our loved ones. The simple act of washing ones’ hands is crucial to minimize the spread of COVID19. I recommend carrying a bottle of hand sanitizer at all times and remember to use this whenever you touch any surfaces or objects. It is also imperative to avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose after coming in contact with any surface that may be contaminated. It is important to wipe down surfaces, such as light switches, door handles, remote controls, cell phones that were touched by someone else, car door handles, gas pumps, ATM machines, and counter tops to name a few with Clorox wipes before touching these items/surfaces. If you cannot find Clorox wipes, use a solution of 4 teaspoons of bleach mixed in a quart of water, which will be effective in preventing COVID19, per CDC
