Let’s Stay Vigilant Against COVID-19
Contributing Author Susan Baldani, a life member of the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad.
People are starting to let their guards down. You can see it on social media with photos of family members gathered in backyards for barbeques, and in snapshots of teenagers hugging and high- fiving at graduation parties. However, COVID-19 is still here, and we are still officially in a pandemic. Yes, our numbers are way down, but other states are seeing a resurgence, and that can easily happen here as well.
In New Jersey, in addition to wearing masks and staying six feet apart indoors, wearing a mask is also now mandated while outdoors when not able to maintain social distancing. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s important to wear masks correctly by following these steps:
- Wash your hands before putting on your face covering
- Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
- Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face
- Make sure you can breathe easily
The Scotch Plains Rescue Squad is still actively answering calls for suspected COVID-19 cases. Most people on the front lines continue to see it every day, and many of us now know someone who has been infected and/or who has possibly died from COVID-19 complications. There’s no doubt that our state has been able to flatten the curve to an amazing degree, but even one death is one too many for the family and friends of that loved one.
People are missing their family members and friends as well as the normalcy of everyday life. This pandemic has turned our lives upside down, and it’s understandable that people want to regain some sense of control. But, it’s important to continue to follow the guidelines to keep others safe. Our EMTs, doctors, paramedics and nurses are out there striving to meet the demands. Let’s continue to bring that demand way down, so they too can safely go home to their families.
The Scotch Plains Rescue Squad is a volunteer organization of Neighbors Helping Neighbors. With over 90 volunteers, we answer calls not only in Scotch Plains but in surrounding towns as well when needed. Besides answering calls, you will see our ambulances at many special events held in town, such as Scotch Plains Day, the Memorial Day Parade, high school football games, and the summer concerts on the Village Green. For more information, or to join our organization, please go to scotchplainsrescuesquad@gmail.com or call (908) 322-2103 (non-emergencies only).
