We all want good news right now. All over the internet, news outlets are sharing feel-good stories on their sites. We really appreciate these happy bits of information when we’re hearing all the worrying numbers on the news. And we are thrilled at the fact that social distancing appears to be slowing the spread of COVID-19.

Three out of four Americans are being told to stay inside. It can be so frustrating. Especially for those of us in areas that haven’t been hit hard by the virus. Hearing that larger cities are seeing results is heartening and makes us feel that, while we want to live our normal lives, we’re helping to protect each other. The reason it is so vital to slow the spread is that if a lot of people catch it all at the same time, or our hospitals will be so overwhelmed, they won’t be able to care for ill people. The medical community can’t guarantee it will stop infections. But, it will slow down how many people have it all at once.

The Bay Area, around San Francisco in northern California, was the first area to order people to shelter-in-place. Many around the country thought it might be too aggressive. But, the number of newly infected people appears to be slowing. Emergency rooms aren’t seeing the crowds of people they were expecting because folks are doing their part by staying home.

Doctors and officials are thrilled by the result as it allows them to help people and have the resources they need. “Just generally, when you look around Oakland now, what you are seeing gives you hope that makes you feel good about what’s going on here,” said Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. “People really got the message… and I believe that it will show that we will have flattened that curve.”

The shelter-in-place rules are still in effect in the area; it isn’t over. But, hopefully, by staying at home, people can do their part to keep the numbers lower than expected. California is seeing slower growth in infection rates than many places that haven’t committed to social distancing.

A company that makes digital thermometers linked to the internet said their database shows that fevers, associated with the virus, are down across the country from their peak levels on March 17. The thermometer was designed for remote health monitoring so that people could track their wellness from home. Additionally, the data shows that normal flu levels are lower than usual. It makes sense—we’re not interacting with people. And, doctors in the Bay Area said they are receiving 50 percent fewer calls about coughs and colds than they usually do.

All over the country, more and more restrictions are being put in place, and it is so tempting to ignore them. Some people are ignoring them. However, seeing the impact, these rules are making shows that we should all be following the guidelines set in our neighborhoods. Following the instructions can be stressful, but it may save your life or the life of someone you care about. Getting these reports from harder-hit areas really strengthens our resolve to follow the rules.

This trying time will pass and, this new data shows, they will pass sooner if we all work together to stay apart! The whole Neuliven Heath team wishes you and yours a safe, restful weekend!