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Use common sense when dealing with COVID-19.
As with everyone else, this week has been full of challenges for your local newspaper. Through all the national updates, we’ve delivered a strong local news package to you daily. There have been many local twists and turns as we focus on how our community and our residents must deal with this pandemic.
It is a serious medical crisis. For public health concerns, our office lobby will take on limited hours starting Monday. We will be open only from 8 a.m. till noon daily for public business. You can call us any time during the business day: (386) 752-1293. Any payments can be made online or in person via our secure dropbox at our office.
If you’re sick, CALL FIRST, then seek treatment
It may seem like a common cold or maybe seasonal allergies, but don’t risk it. Not this time. But before you go to an urgent care this weekend or see a doctor on Monday, CALL that office and discuss your symptoms with a medical professional, especially if you’re running any kind of fever. The worst thing a potentially infected person can do is walk into a healthcare unit unannounced and seek treatment. This endangers too many innocent people. And stay away from others until you know exactly what you’re dealing with.
Check on the elderly
Just a reminder. They need their friends and loved ones now more than ever. They are the most vulnerable to obtaining any cold and flu virus and will have the hardest time fighting off any illness. None of us wants to see them sick and struggling. If they are watching TV news, their anxiety is most likely high. Call them. Calm their fears. Maybe offer to run an errand or help them in any way.
Support local business
If you’re healthy be thankful and go spend money at a locally owned small business in our area. Buy a gift card, order carry-out, do something positive and make an investment in a small local business. The panic-hype and hysteria surrounding COVID-19 has dealt a staggering blow to the local and national economy. Support local businesses now so they are around and you can visit them later. We have always stood up for our local business community. We continue to do this, as in today’s issue, we donate a full page for tips on how to support small, locally owned businesses. We hope that you will #supportlocalbiz a hashtag we created and hope you will use and share as you remind your friends to support your community. Local businesses cannot survive without local customers. Don’t let your absence be the virus that kills them.