Want to fight COVID? Wash hands, wear masks, keep your distance — and give blood | Opinion

In the history of our country, 2020 surely will be remembered as an incredibly challenging time. Our political discourse is poisoned, our sense of civility is weakened and our people are on edge. Much is beyond our control, and many feel helpless.

However, we cannot rely on others to solve our problems and we need to be careful about an over-reliance on government.

COVID-19 offers us a range of challenges with ever-changing information. However, the scope of this pandemic, unlike so many other pressing issues facing our nation, is directly affected by the actions that each of us chooses to take.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided expert suggestions that we would be wise to follow diligently. Their job is to inform us. Our job is to act responsibly.

Their suggestions are simple to understand and follow: Wash your hands frequently. Wear a mask or face-covering in public. Keep a minimum of 6 feet from others. Give blood.

While so much attention has been focused on the first three, we must not overlook the importance of giving blood and plasma as a weapon against COVID-19. Many hospitals use convalescent plasma therapy to give those fighting the virus a boost of antibodies, so Florida needs blood and plasma donations now more than ever. An added incentive is provided by The Red Cross and One Blood, which offer free COVID-19 antibody tests for all blood and plasma donors.

Are you concerned about limited ICU capacity in many of Florida’s hospitals? Wash your hands, wear a mask, keep 6 feet distance from others and give blood.

Are you worried about family and friends who are high-risk? Wash your hands, wear a mask, keep 6 feet distance from others, and give blood.

Our nation has done a tremendous job respecting and appreciating healthcare heroes for their selfless service. The best thing we can do personally to help them is clear: wash, wear, keep, give.

Some are reluctant to follow expert guidelines, especially regarding wearing masks, because they believe the masks are uncomfortable or aren’t particularly effective. However, medical experts agree that wearing a face mask in public spaces will help to slow the spread of COVID-19. If our medical heroes can wear face masks at work for many hours at a time without complaint, then we should all be able to endure this minor inconvenience while in public places.

I know exactly how public-spirited and resilient the people of Florida can be. When our state faced eight hurricanes in a 14-month period while I was governor, Floridians heeded the warnings, listened to the experts and dug out of the chaos — together. The people, not the government, made the difference.

In much the same way today, we all can, and must, be the difference-makers. Through our choices, we can curtail the spread of this virus and help protect our loved ones and save lives.

Please join me and encourage others to wash, wear, keep, and give.

Jeb Bush was governor of Florida from 1999-2007.