The Rotary Club of Chatham Sunrise is making an effort to encourage people to continue to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The club has launched its "Finish the task, wear the mask" campaign, which includes a video and song that highlights the importance of staying vigilant against the virus, including continuing with social distancing, hand washing and wearing a mask. The video also features a collage of several well-known Chatham-Kent residents.
According to Campaign Coordinator John Lawrence, the idea came from a Rotary Club in Stratford who launched a similar campaign after expressing concerns about the safety of vulnerable populations.
"I felt when I saw the program that it was very applicable to Chatham-Kent as well," said Lawrence. "We've done fairly well with our infection rate but as school will be going back and people returning to more normal activity that there are concerns we would get complacent...lots of people have good intentions but its kind of easy to get sloppy about it. So that's the reason for this program, a reminder to keep up our guard and keep helping one another"
On August 11, Chatham-Kent council passed a bylaw that made it mandatory for every person who enters an enclosed public space in the municipality to wear a mask that covers their mouth, nose, and chin.
There are some exemptions to the bylaw including anyone who has cognitive or breathing difficulties as well as anyone who cannot put on or remove a mask without assistance.
Lawrence said the campaign isn't meant to shame anyone who can't wear a mask for medical reasons or meant to polarize the mask debate.
"It's trying to encourage [people] in a positive way that if we all do our part, wash our hands, keep our distance and wear a mask, we can keep this bug somewhat at bay," he explained.
According to Lawrence, the Rotary Club has done other initiatives throughout the pandemic including a drive to collect personal protective equipment for the local hospital.
https://youtu.be/KLpWwXQwXZs
