Message to Our Delegates Regarding Covid-19
As you know we’ve been looking for ways we can help in the new world of “social distancing.” We’re planning to have our next Council meeting on March 25th by zoom video, more on that in another email.
In the interest of everyone’s health, we thought it would be wise to start recommending “best practices” based on the Governor’s press conference and the Sonoma County press conference, both having taken place earlier today.
Some general information: Of our four counties there are only cases of Covid-19 in Sonoma (4) and Marin Counties (5). These two counties also have confirmed cases of “community spread.” This means people in Marin and Sonoma Counties have tested positive for the Coronavirus that can’t be traced to a known source. Community Spread creates a different and “more risky” environment for contracting Covid-19.
So we’re recommending that if you can work from home and limit contact with groups of people, please do. If you are coming in contact with others, be sure to wash your hands frequently and try and stay at least 6 feet away from others. We recognize this won’t be possible for everyone but where you can please try and follow these precautions. Washing your hands often and avoiding touching your face will help a lot.
Just to reiterate, of the four counties the Labor Council covers, only two (Sonoma & Marin Counties) have cases of Coronavirus and these two counties also have cases of community spread. There are no known cases in Lake or Mendocino Counties.
While this all can sound a little scary, the truth is, 80% of people who contract the Coronavirus will have mild symptoms and recover fully. People over 60 (which is a lot of us) and those with underlying health issues are at greatest risk. So the precautions we’re being asked to take are for the safety of others, as well as ourselves.
This is a constantly evolving situation that changes by the day and sometimes by the hour. Here are a few links that can help keep us informed:
California State Labor Federation - Info on Coronavirus
Highlights from Governor Newsom's press conference
Sonoma County Website on Coronavirus
California Department of Public Health
Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center
These sites are frequently updated and will help keep us all informed on the rapidly changing events of the Coronavirus.
Please stay safe and healthy.
Like so many of the issues we face…we’ll all get through this together.
In Solidarity,
Jerry Anderson Jack Buckhorn Maddy Hirshfield
President Executive Director Political Director