VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Time to thank our public health workers who are working tirelessly during this pandemic.
The week of April 6-12 was National Public Health Week, a time to recognize that everyone deserves to live a long and health life in a safe environment. And to make that possible, we need dedicated public health workers to address health as we think about where we live, learn, work, worship and play.
Let’s take time to thank those professionals who work in the area of public health. A huge thank you to Theresa Will, RN, MPH, who is the director of the City County Health District, and the entire CCHD staff for all of the work they usually do, and especially now for their work related to COVID-19.
The City County Health District is heading the COVID-19 Pandemic Operating Center for our county, which means communicating with everyone from groups to individuals in our county and state, carrying out the epidemiology protocol for COVID-19, leading the emergency management, and setting up policy, systems and environment changes related to the virus.
We also want to thank all of the other health care professionals who have been also working tirelessly related to this crisis, and all the allied professionals and groups who are helping to keep our county safe.
In New York City daily at 7 pm, everyone opens their window and cheers and claps for the health care workers who are caring for coronavirus patients. We want everyone who’s working on the team to help prevent coronavirus here in Barnes County to hear our cheer for you and our thank you!
At the Valley City press briefing on Wednesday, April 15 which was broadcast on KOVC 1490AM & 96.3FM a question was asked “can we go back to normal now?” The answer is ‘no’; the disease has not begun to run its course in our area.
More than ever, it’s important to stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19, and if you must go out, practice social distancing (be at least 6 feet away from another person). While we stay home, don’t let fear and anxiety about the COID-19 pandemic become overwhelming.
Here are a few ways the CCHD and the CDC recommend to manage stress during these challenging times.
*Take breaks from watching , reading, or listening to news stories and social media.
*Connect with others. Talk with friends and loved ones over the phone or via video chat about your concerns and how you are feeling.
*Take care of yourself. Take deep breaths, stretch, walk, or meditate. Try to eat healthy meals, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
Remember: if you need to see your doctor, please call them first. Medicare and insurance companies have expanded their ability to use telehealth services during the COVID-19 emergency for common office visits, mental health counseling, and preventive health screenings.
Also remember the mantra: wash your hands for at least 20 minutes…often!
For more information on COVID-19 go to www.health.nd.gov and click on coronavirus (more information) or call their hotline at 1-866-207-2880 or contact City County Health District about any concerns or needs that you may have (845-8518.)
The City County Health District news briefings are held weekly and broadcast live on KOVC 1490AM & 96.3FM and on NewsDakota.com Wednesday’s at 5:30pm.