December is a month where we celebrate the closing of our year; a time filled with excitement and anticipation of the joy we are sure to share together during the holidays. Our time of family and community renewal will be greatly altered this year by the COVID-19 pandemic as the virus continues to spread at a slow, yet aggressive, burn. Social distancing, stay-at-home orders, and intermittent lockdowns have become the new normal and move many of us to come together and connect in creative new ways. The approvals of vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna, bring hope of increased protection and prevention of the COVID-19 virus; local rollout is here and it could not come soon enough. In Ventura County and around the world, health professionals and epidemiologists can agree on two things: COVID-19 is here to stay, and the future depends on the part we play to stop the spread and — perhaps most importantly — the choices we take together as a community in doing so!

As a community we have seen, experienced and shared in the profound collective culture of care! From the rapid response of Feeding the Frontlines: Feeding Our Farmworkers to the Clinic Toy Distributions, we must continue to creatively care and support one another during these tough times while taking the most serious of precautions. Christmas, Dia de Los Reyes, and the celebration of a New Year should be celebrated carefully as we come together to close the month of December. Please continue to observe the guidance provided by our county and state, remember to wear your mask, wash your hands, and practice social distancing as much as possible! We must remain committed to caring for ourselves and our community with the tools available for us to slow, and eventually STOP, the spread of this pandemic until the vaccines are available to everyone!

With Love and Cheer,
Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc.