User:AbigailCate11/sandbox

For most of the past year, our lives have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lives have been lost, livelihoods disrupted, and education adversely impacted. Poverty levels have increased in some countries, societal bonds have been strained, and the overall trend of development has been reversed. Yet, despite the bleak outlook, we have witnessed stories of hope, courage, triumph, and kindness toward one another. You can protect yourself and others from COVID-19 by following these precautions: Get all the recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, and Keep a safe distance from others, especially in closed spaces. When indoors, open windows if possible, Wear a mask if you or those around you are at high risk of severe illness, Keep your hands clean, Cover coughs and sneezes, and Stay home when feeling unwell. Three priorities must chart the path ahead: control and suppress spread, strengthen and maintain health services, and support each other to stay safe, healthy, and well. Our challenge is immense. Across the globe, the spread of COVID-19 continues to cause disease, death, and disruption. It has pushed even the most advanced health systems to the brink. The crude mortality ratio for COVID-19 is estimated to be upwards of 3%, but can change from country to country, and even within countries. Key variables include access to care and the availability of testing. Ensuring essential health services are maintained is vital. We must not only reduce mortality from COVID-19 but also from vaccine-preventable diseases and other treatable conditions that can increase when health systems are overwhelmed. To achieve these outcomes, Member States must mobilize a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach that highlights each person’s role in supporting one another to stay safe, healthy, and well. Regular hand-washing, coughing or sneezing into one’s elbow, and avoiding contact with people with flu-like symptoms are crucial to staying healthy. So too is following local and national guidance on physical distancing. Avoid using tobacco, alcohol, and other substances that impair the immune system and damage health. Support health workers and say no to stigma. We must also stay well. Look after your mental health and be supportive of others. It is natural to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared, or angry during a crisis. Helpful coping strategies include getting sufficient rest, exercising, eating well, avoiding harmful substances, and staying in close contact with family and friends. We must continue to stand together to tackle what is the greatest public health challenge of a generation. The Region’s strategy to control and suppress the spread, strengthen and maintain health services, and support each other to stay safe, healthy, and well, will help all countries to save lives and minimize impact. Our mission is clear. Our challenge is great. Together, forward in the fight against COVID-19.