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Dealing With COVID-19

Dealing With COVID-19
By Willie Carter
NAPS Central Gulf Area Vice President

By now, coronavirus and COVID-19 have become familiar terms in our lives. This is a frightening time for everyone, living during a worldwide pandemic. As we cope, we must remain mindful of additional concerns and conditions that may develop.

Awareness of the millions of cases and death reports can take a toll on our daily functions and mental stability. We must not allow ourselves to become overwhelmed with COVID-19, 24 hours, seven days a week. If we do, anxiety, stress, fear and worry will pervade our lives.

It’s vital to stay informed. For those of us who are home all day, step back and take a break from the news media. Focus on things you can control. Rely on trustworthy sources and follow the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) outline for coping with COVID-19.

We can’t control the virus, determine how long it will last or what medication to take to prevent or cure it. Avoid putting yourself in the company of potential COVID-19 carriers. If at all possible, stay home!

If you must go out, do so only for essential reasons, such as shopping for food or medicine. Wear suggested personal protective equipment—face masks and surgical gloves—when going outside your home.

Communicate regularly with family members and friends via telephone, email, text, video chat and more. Stay positive; talk about the future after COVID-19. Plan visits, travel and quality time you will be spending with your family and grandchildren.

Look ahead and plan for the NAPS National Convention in August 2021.Get more involved in USPS issues. Call, email or fax your representative and senators. Express your concerns and let them know what legislation to support that will keep the Postal Service viable.

Let us all pray this worldwide pandemic ends soon and we adjust to our new normal. I am looking forward to seeing everyone in Grapevine, TX, next August. Be safe!