Keep Only what You Need on Your Desktops

#Cleaning and organizing your desk can not only reduce the threat of colds, flu and #COVID-19, it can make you more productive. Having a #disorganized desk makes it harder for most people to process information, and getting rid of #clutter can help you focus. Medium recommends starting with a purge that involves moving everything off your desktop and adding back only the things you need for one week; anything else can be stored or tossed. The same goes for your digital desktop: Extraneous files and open browser tabs only compete for your limited attention, and should be judiciously culled to the ones you actively use.

Returning to the Office? Keep Your Desk Clean

Even with the uncertainty created by the #Delta variant of the #coronavirus, many people are returning to physical offices and schools this month — and as a result, contending with #workplace surfaces of uncertain #cleanliness. Desks are among the dirtiest surfaces people come into contact with on a regular basis, says WeWork, and as long as there is a danger of transmitting the #coronavirus and other pathogens, you will want to keep your workstation(s) #organized, #clean and #sanitized. Start by clearing the desktop and wiping down all hard surfaces (except screens) with a disinfecting spray or wipe.

The Importance of Getting Vaccinated Against COVID-19

The spread of the more contagious #Delta variant of the coronavirus has many areas reeling from a dramatic rise in #COVID-19 cases, illnesses and hospitalizations. And getting #vaccinated can help slow the spread and avert more tragedies.

While no available #vaccine is 100% effective against the virus, CNBC says, all of them drastically reduce the chance of contracting a symptomatic infection and almost eliminate the chance of mortal illness completely.

Don’t think that because the first wave of the coronavirus affected the elderly worst that you’re in no danger. Delta is more transmissible, so younger people are getting infected, too — and new cases are concentrated among the unvaccinated.

One great reason to get vaccinated is to protect elderly, sick and immune-compromised friends and relatives. Even if they are vaccinated, they are safest when the people around them are at least somewhat immune to the virus and able to inhibit its spread.

Think of the #veterans in your community: Many have chronic health conditions such as diabetes that make them more vulnerable to COVID-19. When you get a #vaccine, you are honoring the sacrifices they have made on behalf of the county.

The vaccines — contrary to the misinformation campaigns out there — are safe for use. More than 4.48 billion doses have now been administered worldwide and 352 million doses in the U.S., according to Bloomberg. Serious side effects are exceedingly rare.

Many people experience a headache, fever, chills and fatigue in the first 48 hours after their first or second dose. That’s your body learning to fight off the virus. But that’s it — and what a small price to pay for months of protection against a deadly disease.

While vaccines are available free of charge, getting sick from COVID-19 can be very expensive. A coronavirus hospitalization will cost a person with no insurance coverage about $73,000, FAIR Health estimates, or max out an insured person’s deductible.

Perhaps most importantly, vaccines are the best hope for everything — school, work, social gatherings, concerts, event and even grocery shopping — getting back to normal. Don’t you long for the carefree, maskless days of 2019?

Clothing Donations Are Still Safe Under Delta

With coronavirus cases again on the rise due to the highly contagious Delta variant, remember that clothing donations can be made without coming into close contact with other people or risking viral transmission. Put lightly used clothing and household goods into boxes and bags, contact ClothingDonations.org to schedule a convenient, contactless pickup, and place those boxes and bags in the designated area on the scheduled day. A truck will whisk that used stuff away and leave you a receipt for tax purposes.

Get Vaccinated If You Haven’t Already

More than 70% of eligible adults in the U.S. have had at least one dose of a #coronavirus #vaccine as of this week. Widespread misinformation forestalled President Biden’s July 4th target, but with the highly contagious #Delta variant causing upticks in infections, now is the time to get vaccinated if you haven’t already. “Vaccination will protect you from the Delta variant and others including the Alpha variant, and in the end, is our best way out of the pandemic,” says Dr. Randy Olsen.