Busy weekend in Goose City with kids, cooking and unemployment assistance, so a very short note tonight. A few short items below including a request from the governor to look around and notice your neighbors helping others. Looking forward to hearing what’s on your mind tomorrow morning.

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The Power of Three – from Southwestern Vermont Medical Center

When COVID-19 first landed in our communities, healthcare providers did their best to present the important information in ways that people could easily understand. But it was difficult. Here at SVMC, we used a lot of charts.

While there is still a lot we don’t know about this virus, the most important information (for those who are not sick and are not living with someone who is) can be boiled down to three main pieces of advice. These three actions give you tremendous power in keeping yourself and your family safe from COVID-19.

Wash, wash, wash.

Your first line of defense is handwashing. The list of moments to wash your hands is long: you should wash or sanitize whenever you encounter your own or other people’s germs and before opportunities to pass your germs to others during activities, like preparing food. Also wash your hands both before and after touching your face. For extra credit, clean frequently touched surfaces in your home once or twice a day. It’s like handwashing on a grand scale.

Keep your distance.

The surest way to prevent yourself and your family from becoming ill with COVID-19 is putting physical distance between you and others. That means we are still limiting trips out for essential items to no more than once a week and socializing over technology, rather than in person. When you must go out to exercise or get groceries, keep at least 6 feet from others. 

Doing so decreases the amount of bacteria in your mouth and limits the formation of plaque. Bacteria and plaque can build up and cause painful cavities. Skipping brushing can also lead to gum disease.

Wear a mask.

Take your mask with you any time you leave your yard. It should cover both your mouth and your nose. You should wear it for the entire time you are inside any public space, like a grocery or drug store. When outdoors, put your mask on when you encounter others on sidewalks or trails. Stay at least 6 feet from everyone, even with your mask on.

One of the biggest benefits of mask wearing is that it keeps us from touching our faces. Touching your face can transfer germs from your hands into your body or your germs from your body to the objects you touch. Many people touch their faces subconsciously, so masks provide an extra barrier.

Call your doctor, if you have even mild symptoms of COVID-19. The availability of testing is on the rise; and if you have COVID-19, public health officials want to know about it!

Of course, seek immediate medical attention if you have difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face. Call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Department and go to the hospital. SVMC’s number is 802-447-6361.

While it’s important to keep the emergency information in mind, these three actions alone— washing, distancing, and masking—have tremendous power to protect both you and your community from COVID-19. 

Donna Barron, RN, is the infection preventionist at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.

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Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions, or if you need assistance navigating government services at (802) 384-0233 or lsibilia@leg.state.vt.us 

Kind regards, 

Rep. Laura Sibilia 
Dover, Readsboro, Searsburg, Somerset, Stamford, Wardsboro, Whitingham