Dear Tribal community,
Hello again out there to all of you.
I hope you’re staying safe! I wanted to mention a few things at this point in the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first is that we have been very blessed to have made it this far with fewer cases and less severe illness from COVID-19 than expected. We are very fortunate.
The second point is that, unfortunately, it appears as though here, in Pierce County, we are in another wave. The numbers are going up again. It is especially important to continue to wear a mask and to try to stay 6 feet apart and to be careful about any potential exposure.
The third point is that we are entering a colder time and will be spending more time indoors. There is a risk to this in that there may be more close gatherings with others. Please remember to mask and keep your distance when you’re indoors with people outside your immediate household. It is also good to try to keep the air moving, and you may have to put a sweater on and open a window. It is important to breathe as much fresh air as possible.
The fourth point is that the flu season is upon us. There is some thought that it may be a milder season for flu since we are masking and keeping socially distant. I hope so. But it is especially important to get your flu shot. Having both flu and COVID-19 at the same time would be a very risky situation. Keep your eyes open for flu shot clinics starting next week at PTHA.
So don’t forget: we are not out of the woods yet! Keep masking and staying safe! Get your flu shot!
Love to all,
Dr. Alan Shelton, Medical Director, Puyallup Tribe
