Congratulations, you made it! It’s been one year since COVID-19 has entered the United States, changing the way people live their lives. It’s hard to remember a time without masks, constant hand-sanitizing and toilet paper shortages. So, to those who are staying safe, it’s appreciated.

It can be exhausting to go through the effort everyday to stay clean, social distance and wear a mask. Morale can especially be low when we see so many people, from influencers to anti-maskers, attending super-spreader events and making reckless decisions that put everyone at risk.

While it can sometimes feel like you’re the only person taking the pandemic seriously, know that you are not alone. People may not be plastering the phrase “We’re all in this together” all over the place anymore like they did a year ago, but many are still doing their best to keep themselves and others safe.

With an estimate of about 811,000 confirmed cases in Georgia alone, it’s disheartening to see the numbers rise. But here’s one of the best things you can do. Think about the countless lives you were able to save by doing your part and taking the necessary precautions.

This period has been extremely isolating for many of us. It’s important to remember that despite everything that has occurred over the course of a year, you respected the pandemic guidelines. You’ve not only kept yourself safe but many others. You made it through!

For more information about the COVID-19 pandemic visit https://www.stopthespread.org/