COVID-19 has surged throughout the Latino population in the United States and Yakima Valley. Our healthcare system is struggling to keep up.
As Latinos, we must come together to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Our team at CSC created this bilingual campaign to provide information to prevent an increase in COVID-19 cases throughout the Yakima Valley.
Take these actions to keep safe and healthy:
1. Wear a Mask
Staying home is still the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but face coverings, along with proper physical distancing, can help to significantly stem the spread.
Now that many counties are partially reopened it’s critical that people wear masks and practice physical distancing in public.
There are three public orders that combine to emphasize the importance of wearing masks and to encourage people to wear them in public places. When more Washingtonians wear face coverings in public the combined effect can greatly reduce transmission of COVID-19 from person to person, saving lives and helping us open the economy safely and wisely.
2. Wash Your Hands
You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often.
Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.
3. Social Distance
Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household.
To practice social or physical distancing, stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people who are not from your household in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Social distancing should be practiced in combination with other everyday preventive actions to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including wearing masks, avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands, and frequently washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
If you are sick with COVID-19, have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, it is important to stay home and away from other people until it is safe to be around others.
.png)
Safer Gatherings
Staying home is still the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19. If you decide to gather, there’s always a risk of spreading COVID-19 infection. Help lessen this risk through pre-planning, conversations and some trade-offs.
When deciding whether to get together, here are important things to discuss with friends and family
Get really clear with friends and family about how you will make safety a priority when spending time together. Set some ground rules that will help everyone know what to expect.
There are lots of ways to be a little more together, even when we’re apart.
1. Gather Virtually
Gathering in groups—even with people we know—may spread COVID-19.
The more people we interact with at a gathering and the longer that interaction lasts, the higher the risk of becoming infected.
Sure, it won’t be quite the same, but scheduling a few virtual holiday gatherings can take the sting out of being separated. Getting together online to cook, open gifts, decorate desserts, do a craft project, listen to a playlist, or read stories can create a bit of the togetherness we crave.
Consider time zones when scheduling, and make sure that any people who are not tech-savvy get help beforehand so they can be included.
Consider spending the holidays with family and friends virtually.
2. Gather Outdoors
Indoor gatherings generally pose more risk than outdoor gatherings.
Host outdoor activities rather than indoor activities as much as possible. If hosting an outdoor event is not possible, and you choose to host an indoor event, avoid crowded, poorly ventilated, or fully enclosed indoor spaces.
Check with the event host, organizer, or event venue for updated information about any COVID-19 safety guidelines and if they have steps in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
Bring supplies to help you and others stay healthy. For example, bring extra masks (do not share or swap with others), hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, and tissues.
If you are planning to attend in-person holiday gatherings with people outside of your household, consider strictly avoiding contact with people outside of your household for 14 days before the gathering.
Is there room to spread out, at least 6 feet from people you don’t live with?
If you are gathering in an outdoor space, remind guests to wear warm clothes!
Consider spending the holidays with family and friends outdoors.
3. Maintain Social Distance
Avoid close contact by staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone you don't live with.
Gathering in groups—even with people we know—may spread COVID-19. The more people we interact with at a gathering and the longer that interaction lasts, the higher the risk of becoming infected.
The safest action, especially if you’re in a high-risk category, is to avoid gatherings and find different ways to celebrate.
If you are planning to gather in person, lLimit the number of guests based on the Safe Start Plan, and the outdoor or indoor space available that allows you to be 6-feet apart.
Kids have trouble playing 6 feet apart, so wearing masks and frequent hand-washing may be the safest plan of action.
Getting a flu vaccine is an essential part of protecting your health and your family’s health this season. September and October are good times to get vaccinated. However, flu vaccines are still useful any time during the flu season and can often be accessed into January or later.
Maintain social distance with anyone from outside of your household.
Staying Healthy
Taking care of your physical and mental health is more important than ever.
Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
Try to eat healthy and get plenty of sleep.
Try to do activities you usually enjoy.
Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member.
Consider spending the holidays with family and friends virtually.
Crisis Resources
If you are in crisis and need to call someone for advice, here are some LOCAL options.
If you are in crisis and need to call someone for advice, here are some NATIONAL options.
Centro de Servicios Comunitarios is an advocate and resource center based in Yakima Washington. We created and launched the #PonteLasPilasCOVID-19 campaign in November 2020.