Dear Friend,

We got some good news for New Orleans yesterday — according to state officials, we are no longer on track to run out of healthcare supplies like hospital beds and ventilators in the next two weeks!

The bad news? If we stop doing our part by social distancing, washing our hands, staying six feet apart, wearing protective face coverings, and staying home unless absolutely necessary — we could easily undo the amazing progressive we've collectively made.

Make no mistake — there are more than 5,000 coronavirus cases in the New Orleans Area. But the rise of hospitalized patients has slowed down, and the stay-at-home order has absolutely cut down on infections. We have no choice but to keep doing exactly what we're doing now, especially since new data has proven that some good-intentioned people may still be spreading the virus without even realizing it.

If you absolutely must leave home for an essential errand, the New Orleans Health Department is now recommending you wear cloth face coverings. Here are some tips to keep doing your part:

• Do not touch the face covering while wearing it. Before putting it on and when you are ready to remove, wash your hands thoroughly before handling.
• Wash face coverings after each use.
• Wear cloth face coverings, such as one made with a bandana or scarf, or make your own using fabric.
• Store in a clean plastic bag.