Vaccines for COVID-19 are currently being administered! The news media showed the first vaccination in the United States being administered to nurse Sandra Lindsay on December 14, 2020. Lindsay told CNN: "I trust science.

Recently, the CDC recommended wearing masks in public. Many people have regained confidence to enter super markets and other stores as result of wearing masks and gloves. However, gloves and masks, though important, should not be solely relied upon for protection. Homemade masks are not as effective as other masks like a type called N95s, and they are not always put on and taken off correctly. When wearing your mask, make sure it completely covers your mouth and nose. Make sure that you are still social distancing and only going out when necessary, even with a mask.

Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. For more information: www.cdc.gov/COVID19

Attention Seniors! Need assistance with Shopping? SCHAS OUT SHOPPING is here to help! In response to government instructions for older adults to remain safely in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, Seniors Citizens Home Assistance Service has developed SCHAS OUT SHOPPING (S.O.S.) SCHAS will do your shopping and deliver your groceries directly to you. By partnering with other non-profit agencies, and by using screened employees and volunteers, Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service (SCHAS) is pleased to be able to offer this service at no cost to qualifying seniors.

How to Wear Cloth Face Coverings Cloth face coverings should— • fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face • be secured with ties or ear loops • include multiple layers of fabric • allow for breathing without restriction • be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape CDC on Homemade Cloth Face Coverings CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

Patients with covid-19 have experienced mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have covid-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of covid-19. For more information: www.cdc.gov/covid19-symptoms

The Union County Health Council meets the third Thursday of each month at noon at Cherokee Health Systems, and meetings are open to the public. Last year the Health Council worked with the Health Department to complete a health assessment to determine the needs in our county.