The Mask Up Manatee! Coalition is encouraging people to continue to take COVID-19 prevention measures throughout the holiday season.
The coalition delivered the message the day before Thanksgiving, noting the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County, one of the coalition’s leading members, had reported a steady rise in the number of COVID-positive cases.
The coalition encouraged people to follow U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention precautions to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, which is transmitted from person to person in close contact and also via air droplets.
The safest way to celebrate is to limit gatherings to those in a single household.
For gatherings beyond a household, CDC tips include:
- Wear a face mask with two or more layers. Wear the mask over the nose and secure it under the chin. Make sure the mask fits snugly against the sides of the face.
- Practice social distancing, staying at least 6 feet — about 2 arm lengths — away from those not in your household.
Remember, some people without symptoms can spread COVID-19.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Keep hand sanitizer ready to use when handwashing is not an option.
- If attending a gathering, bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups and utensils.
Wear a mask and safely store your mask while eating and drinking.
Avoid going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled, such as the kitchen.
Use single-use options, such as salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items, such as food containers, plates and utensils.
About Mask Up Manatee!
The coalition! launched in August, uniting government agencies, businesses, medical providers and nonprofit organizations across Manatee County in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.
The coalition includes Manatee Memorial Hospital, Blake Medical Center, Port Manatee, Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation, Manatee County Chamber of Commerce, Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce, Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and Multicultural Health Institute.
For more information, look for #maskupmanatee on social media, as well as follow @HealthyFla.