West Chicago mayor: New COVID-19 signage serves as reminder to Wash (hands), Wear (masks), Watch (social distance)

How many times does it take for a message to sink in and for a person to act on it? Some researchers point to the Rule of Seven, which puts the magic number at seven, while others say it is many more. In any case, I believe information that has the potential to save lives bears repeating over and over again - in as many ways as possible.

That is why this week the City, in partnership with West Chicago Elementary School District 33, began implementing yet another way to communicate essential information to help reduce the numbers of those infected by COVID-19. Bright, bold, bi-lingual signs will be popping up at every District 33 school and at other highly populated locations throughout the city. They will be strategically placed at apartment complexes, parks, public buildings, grocery stores, and churches as a friendly, caring reminder to everyone to continue efforts at prevention.

The public service messages of wash hands, wear a mask and watch our social distance are simple, yet cannot be overstated because of their effectiveness in stopping the spread. They have become universally known as the 3 Ws and we have been practicing them for months. Yet, sometimes we forget. Or, the busy demands of our daily rush cause us to take short cuts as we think "just this once won't hurt." The sad truth is many in our community are suffering the consequences of this pandemic, not only physically but also mentally and financially. View the signage as prompts that remind us that we are in this together - my behavior effects your health and your behavior effects mine.

Wash hands frequently, wear a face-covering or mask when in public, around high-risk people, when caring for others, or when around those not in your household, and watch your social distance so that you are at least six feet apart from others when outside your home or in public or enclosed spaces.

We all look forward to a day when we are no longer burdened by the threat of COVID-19. However, we know that for now, we must remain vigilant and the 3 Ws are as sure a prevention strategy as we have currently. Please wash hands, wear masks, watch your distance.

Stay well, stay strong, and stay united in our community effort to overcome this silent enemy.

Respectfully,

Ruben Pineda

Mayor