Mayor Schutzbach Shares Letter Urging COVID Caution

Effingham Mayor Mike Schutzbach has released a letter to the city's residents, urging caution when it comes to COVID-19.

Here's the letter:

To the Citizens of Effingham and Friends in the Surrounding Communities:

With the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, health risks rise. Please continue to be extremely cautious and wear masks, wash hands thoroughly and frequently, and practice social distancing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health experts tell us that gatherings and travel in and out of communities present a high risk of spreading the infection. In our current situation, with a rising prevalence of the virus, attending even small gatherings that mix households, or traveling to areas that are experiencing high rates of positivity, is not advised and is potentially dangerous.

The goal is to reduce transmission as we head into the holidays so businesses and schools can remain open and our loved ones can stay healthy. Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, so please be aware of the increased risk and make good decisions. With today’s technological devices and social media, we might want to consider long-distance, risk-free alternatives to our traditional friends and family gatherings. Not gathering face-to-face is a conscientious sacrifice that will ensure a better tomorrow.

This difficult time will pass, and we can all do our part to stop transmission, save lives, and bring better days.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Mayor Mike Schutzbach