The American Heart Association reiterated the need for basic pandemic safety protocols even as the number of new COVID-19 infections decreases.
In a statement released March 4, the nonprofit organization said the situation remains serious with more than 28 million cases and more than 513,000 deaths in the United States as of March 2. People with underlying health conditions are at the highest risk of complications and death. Many patients are suffering long-term effects after recovering from the virus.
“To help protect yourself and those around you, we urge everyone to take personal responsibility and continue to follow the science and the fact-based ‘3-W’ recommendations to slow the spread of the virus,” the nonprofit organization said in the statement.
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Wearing a mask, Watching your distance and Washing your hands continue to be important measures in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19.
“We urge everyone to get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available to them to help keep themselves, their families and their community healthy and safe,” the statement read.
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, Richmond County reported 619 new COVID-19 cases in the last two weeks. Columbia County reported 278 new cases in the same time frame.
Shellie Smitley is a staff writer for The Augusta Press. Reach her at shellie@theaugustapress.com
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