Our Parish Nurse, Ann Yeo, summarizes key information and recommendations from the May 26 Letter to the Community by the Thurston County Health Officer, Dr. Abdelmalek:
· We still have significant COVID-19 transmission in our county; the majority of our population is not yet vaccinated; therefore, most people should still be wearing masks. Because it can be difficult to know who is vaccinated and who is not unless vaccination status is verified, we should all exercise caution and continue masking in public indoor spaces, even if we are fully vaccinated, until at least 70% of our community is fully vaccinated.
· Masking is still required in schools, shelters, health care facilities, correctional facilities, and when using shared transportation. Businesses and facilities can choose how to verify vaccination status and whether to require masking of fully vaccinated individuals.
· Children as young as 12 can now receive the Pfizer vaccine. This is great news because children can become very ill from COVID-19. Immunizing them will help to keep them safe, healthy, and learning.
· Vaccines are freely available now, and assistance is available if you have difficulty accessing this service.
· There is light at the end of the tunnel. We all just need to continue taking precautions for a while longer.
-Ann Yeo, RN, MSN, Certified Holistic Nurse
