Saturday, March 21, 2020
Hi Again Everyone,
I am a proud citizen of Valley City and North Dakota.
Do you remember the battles with the horrific floods, with portable outhouses everywhere, and we all pulled together and defeated the floodwaters? Gosh, help came from the VCPS, VCSU, and even a great number of our more “veteran population”. You filled well over 350,000 sandbags, served food, and helped in any way you could. As Governor Burgum might say, it was a great example of “North Dakota Tough”.
Today we are battling an opponent completely different from water. While water can be deadly, we can go to the water, touch it, walk to higher ground, and again be safe. COVID-19 plays very differently. Once we have been close to it, we are likely infected and- unlike the floodwater escaping to higher ground- will not save us. It is deadly, extremely contagious and “business as usual” has to change. Please be aware we are no longer an isolated area as we have surpassed South Dakota in numbers of cases. Hello! Social Distancing must become the new normal because the young, the strong, and the elderly are all susceptible. Nearly 40% of cases are in the 20, 30 and 40-year old range.
Many of our businesses are open, but are not open for social gatherings at this time. Purchase your merchandise and go directly to the safety of your home. *Unessential travel- NO- “hanging with friends”- NO, as you will place yourself and your friends at risk. When you have a choice, respect the warnings of Social Distancing.
To battle this, choose “North Dakota Smart” over “North Dakota Tough”.
Blessings and be safe,
Dave Carlsrud