New Yorkers should feel proud that we have succeeded in drastically reducing COVID-19 cases in our city and state. Nevertheless, there are reports of an uptick in infections in certain areas of the city, especially among younger people. New cases are also surging in other parts of the country. How can we prevent that from happening here?

We can all help by speaking out in our families, in our neighborhoods, and in our communities to stress the importance of the 3 Ws: wear a mask, wash your hands, watch your distance. It isn’t only older people with underlying health conditions who are at risk; healthy 20-, 30- and 40-somethings are also vulnerable to the virus.

We have to take care of one another. If we all do our part, we can contribute to lowering new infections and preventing deaths. A recent study by University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) projected that if 95% of Americans would wear masks any time they’re in public, it could prevent nearly 45,500 projected COVID-19-related deaths by November 1, 2020.

Perhaps what leads some people to not wear a mask is a desire to avoid feelings of helplessness and powerlessness over the virus; there is no vaccine, and we can’t see the virus in the air. Taking a stand doesn’t necessarily mean engaging everyone we see. It can mean protecting ourselves by crossing the street if a group of people without masks is heading our way. At other times, it might be to say, “I see that you’ve chosen not to wear a mask; please keep your distance” or “I’m stepping away from you because you’re not wearing a mask.” It’s making a statement rather than challenging people. (Read more great tips here.)

It’s important not to shame people, but to appeal to them as being part of the solution. While we may feel angry, yelling at people or making them feel badly rarely changes their behavior. We have to live with other people’s choices, but we must take care of ourselves.

It’s also important to recognize that our anger may be an outgrowth of our feelings of powerlessness. The best way to deal with these feelings is to take care of ourselves by getting good sleep, eating well, moving our bodies, and perhaps finding a spiritual practice that will help us deal with our own discomfort. Amida Care’s  Live Your Life videos on YouTube offer free cooking classes, meditation sessions, yoga and dance classes, and more to help you feel your best.

Taking action to contain COVID-19 is an opportunity for all of us to become public health educators and leaders. By working together to beat COVID-19, we’re helping our economy, and we’re saving lives.

Amida Care currently serves 8,000 members throughout the five boroughs of New York City, including people living with HIV/AIDS; people of transgender experience, regardless of HIV status; and people who are experiencing homelessness, regardless of HIV status. Please contact us at 1-855-GO-AMIDA to be directed to health resources.