October is National Crime Prevention month and this week’s focus is promoting public health in communities. The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) hosts events annually to raise awareness, share resources and remind communities to look out for each other. Public health and safety is everyone’s responsibility and important in protecting communities.
Promote Public Health and Safety
Do your part to promote public health and safety in your community. The biggest concern of 2020 has been avoiding the spread of COVID-19. By practicing social distancing and wearing a mask in public, you can protect others and yourself.
Keep your community safe and stay home if you do not feel well. Many COVID-19 symptoms are similar to other illnesses and should not be ignored. For this reason, it is important to do your part and quarantine when you experience any symptoms. Further, if you are in contact with someone that tests positive for COVID-19, quarantine immediately and/or get a COVID test. Any delay in taking action increases the risk of spreading the disease.
Winter Enhances Public Health Concerns
As winter rapidly approaches, public health concerns increase. Many people will be finding ways to get out of their house to ease the winter blues. If you go into a public place, wear a mask to protect others and yourself. COVID-19 can be spread by people not showing symptoms.
Contract Tracing
Stay alert and pay attention to contract tracing. Contract tracing alerts individuals that may have come into contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. Contract tracing has been used for years to notify individuals of infectious illnesses and helps slow the spread. If you test positive for COVID-19, alert anyone that you have come into contact with so they may also seek a test quickly.
Social Distance
Social distancing is not just staying six feet from others in public, it is also keeping your social circle small. When interacting with individuals, consider that you do not know who else that person interacts with regularly. Additionally, the people around you may have been in contact with a carrier and not know yet.
Public health is everyone’s responsibility and through cooperation, we can make our community safer.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Source(s): DHSS, “COVID-19 In Alaska” | Photo
