As families, students and businesses work through shutdowns and try to stay healthy during the coronavirus crisis, the 12th District’s lawmakers urge folks to “Stay Home, Stay Safe.” State Reps. Mike Steele, R-Chelan, and Keith Goehner, R-Dryden, and state Sen. Brad Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee, issued the following statement:

“This is a difficult time as we navigate through the pandemic and face challenges in our day-to-day lives we have never experienced. We have a number of people in North Central Washington who are infected with the coronavirus and our thoughts and prayers are with them, as well as those who have lost loved ones.

“During this tough time, the best thing we can do is ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy.’ We can all do our part to stay safe, and keep others around us safe. We have heard from our public health leaders and medical providers. We are at an important stage in fighting COVID-19. Practicing social distancing protects all of us and prevents our health-care system from being overwhelmed.

“Those in our health-care facilities have put themselves on the front lines to battle this pandemic. We owe to them to hold up our end and prevent others from getting ill and filling our hospitals and endangering others around them.

“We have reasons to be hopeful. This is temporary, and it will pass. We must work together and support each other as we make the best of the difficult circumstances we have been dealt. We believe in the strength and resolve of the 12th District.”

Practice social distancing:

• Work from home instead of an office.
• Visit friends and family electronically instead of in person.
• Cancel non-essential group gatherings.
• Avoid being within six feet of others.
• Limit trips to the grocery store or pharmacy as much as possible.

Everyday prevention:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue away, and then wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces such as remote controls and doorknobs. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick. Isolate from your family members. Call the Wenatchee Valley Hospital and Clinic hotline if you develop fever, cough, or difficulty breathing – (509) 663-8711.