In these unusual and fretful times, we cannot stress enough how important it is to continue the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the White House.

We are seeing how fast COVID-19 can spread. We are also seeing just how damaging it can be, on so many levels. According to the CDC, there are more than 122,000 cases nationwide, and more than 2,100 people have died from COVID-19 since the outbreak began. 

We are starting to see that COVID-19, even though the vast majority of people who get survive, has no boundaries for age, gender, race and station in life. 

Across the globe, more than 740,000 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19. So far, nearly 157,000 people have recovered. More than 35,000, however, died. 

Just in Georgia, the numbers continue to be alarming — more than 2,800 cases and 87 deaths as a result of COVID-19.

We are glad the City of Thomasville finally took steps in effort to decrease its spread. For a community that welcomes visitors and relies on tourists and their spending, it is a difficult decision to have to enact policies and make recommendations that curtail those visitors. 

We also cannot stress strongly enough how important it is not to gather in large groups. Social distancing is a must at this point.  

We urge to take this seriously. If you are feeling sick, stay home. If you can work from home, do so. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles).

In a time when it is best for us to be apart, perhaps if we do these things together, we can get back to a more normal way of life sooner.