Once again, our community is facing a resurgence of COVID19. For 10 months, our community has been fighting this pandemic, and we are all ready for life to get back to normal. The good news is that safe and effective vaccines will soon be available. But not before we face a third wave of COVID19. Models show this third wave will be close to the size and impact of the COVID19 wave we experienced in July. The restrictions that accompanied the second wave affected us all. Nevertheless, our community worked together, followed the necessary restrictions and saw COVID19 numbers fall.

By working together as a community, we can still suppress the third wave of COVID19 here in Central Louisiana and reduce its impact. Limiting the size of gatherings, maintaining social distancing, handwashing and wearing masks in public are all effective strategies in limiting the spread of COVID19. None of us wants to be separated from our loved ones during the holiday season. Setting aside the gathering of friends and family is a sacrifice. However, it is a sacrifice communities all over the country and world are being asked to make. If we can tolerate these inconveniences for a few more months, we can limit the spread of COVID19 long enough for vaccines to be approved, distributed and administered.

As representatives of the Central Louisiana medical community, and as your friends and neighbors, we ask you to join us in the fight against COVID19. Together, we can accomplish extraordinary things. We can suppress this third COVID19 wave and look forward to gathering with our family and friends in the future.