He says stay connected, reach out & support each other. 
Annapolis, Md (KM) Surviving the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t just about wearing a mask or practicing social distancing. It’s also taking care of your mental health as you try to cope with being indoors for most of the time, and not being able to physically connect with your family and friends. That’s according to Dr. David Marcozzi, the COVID-19 Incident Commander with the University of Maryland Medical System.
“I think we also need to recognize that this virus doesn’t just affect us physically. It affects un mentally,” says Dr. Marcozzi, who spoke during the Governor’s news conference last week “This has hit me personally as I lost a friend to suicide in this pandemic.”
Dr. Marcozzi was at times trying to keep his composure while speaking with reporters.
“Let’s make sure we stay connoted, Let’s make sure we reach out,” he said “Let’s make sure we support each other and talk to a professional if helpful.”
This year’s celebrations of the holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah will be a little different with COVID-19 still with us. This is usually the time when families and friends gather together to celebrate during this season of good cheer. But health officials say most people can come into contact with people affected by the coronavirus during family gatherings and house parties.
If you’re planning a get-together, Dr. Marcozzi says there are some things you need to consider before the first guests arrives. “The number of people: the smaller the better. The locations attendees are traveling from. Don’t include vulnerable individuals. Ask and be aware of the behaviors before and during the event so you can keep them and yourselves safe,.” he says.
The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to continue into 2021, and it can seem frustrating that a microscopic virus is dictating how we live our lives. But Dr. Marcozzi says we need to persevere. “I’m tired of COVID-19. I think we’re all tried of COVID-19. But the virus isn’t tired. It is waiting. That is our reality. And these next few months will require us to double our efforts and stay the course,” he says
He says we need to continue wearing a mask over out mouth and nose. “Don’t pull it down to speak. Only touch the sides of your mask, not the front, when you need to adjust it,” says Dr. Marcozzi.
And practice social distancing. “Keep yourself physically distance from each other. Keep hands in high-touch areas clean. Get a flu shot as the flu is preventable. Telework if you can. Get the COVID-19 vaccine once it’s available,” he says.
By Kevin McManus