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.

Mask Up for Travel and Crowds, Experts Say

As #coronavirus infections started to slow this spring, more people started traveling and attending in-person events such as outdoor concerts. With the #Delta variant causing viral hotspots nationwide, experts told CNBC, the best protection is to get vaccinated. But you should also “mask up” in any situation where you must be in close proximity to others and especially in a confined space. If you attend a big festival or travel, the safest strategy is to quarantine from immune-compromised or elderly relatives and friends and monitor yourself for COVID symptoms for 10–14 days.

Rise in COVID Cases Spurs Renewed Mask Guidance

Cases of the #coronavirus are again increasing due to the #Delta variant, which is estimated to be approximately three times as transmissible as the original COVID strain, NPR says. While surges are biggest where vaccination rates are low, even vaccinated people are being advised to wear masks when in close proximity to others since they can still spread the virus. The available vaccines are extremely effective at preventing viral transmission and serious illness, however, with “breakthrough” infections affecting only about 0.1% of all fully vaccinated people. #COVIDSafety

Keep Pets Safe on Memorial Day Weekend

Traveling with pets this Memorial Day? Keep them safe by keeping them on a leash, securing doors and gates, and making sure they are wearing proper identification and are microchipped, says the Imperial Valley Press. Provide them with plenty of fresh water and shade to fend off dehydration, and apply a pet-friendly flea and tick repellant to their fur when outdoors. Go easy on the table scraps, and set aside a quiet zone where your pet can get away from all of the human hubbub when they need some space and rest. #MemorialDayTips

Never Dispense Gasoline in an Unapproved Container

With the recent cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline and increasing numbers of cars on the road, gas prices are likely to be higher this Memorial Day weekend. But stations on the East Coast that experienced temporary shortages should now have supplies sufficient for travelers, so don’t start filling plastic bags and laundry hampers with gasoline. Gas can quickly eat through unapproved containers and spill into the surrounding area, The Drive says; then one spark is all it takes to create an explosion and fire. #MemorialDayTips