What better way to show your mom you care then to keep her safe and protect her from COVID-19. The Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit would like to remind everyone that social gatherings over 5 are still prohibited by the Province, to prevent the spread of the virus.

This Mother’s Day will be different for many of us. The usual brunches, spa days, or family get-togethers will have to be postponed for this year. But we can still celebrate mom while protecting our loved ones and our community. Here are some ideas to get you started

• Write a letter and send it in the mail. Getting a letter instead of a bill might be a nice surprise.
• If you live with your mom, give her a break from her usual tasks (e.g. make breakfast, clean the bathroom).
• With more time on our hands, we may have had more time to go through old keepsakes and photos. Create a scrapbook or video showcasing these.
• Follow this link for fun craft ideas to give to mom.  Children can practice their pencil and scissor skills by colouring the paper before cutting it into strips for the craft.
• Give the gift of positive parenting. For parenting tips, call 1-800-660-5853, email triplep@healthunit.org or visit www.triplep-parenting.ca.
• Pick up and deliver groceries or pharmacy supplies.
• Bake something and leave it on mom’s doorstep.
• Have mom join your meal virtually.
• Order and pre-pay your mom’s favourite takeout meal and have it delivered.
• Garden centres and nurseries are now permitted to be open. Consider supporting your local centre by making a purchase such as a plant or gardening supplies. You may just inspire mom to take up a new hobby!
• If you plan to visit your mom or loved one at a cemetery, check in with them first to see if they are open. Practice physical distancing and respect any other rules the cemetery may have. 
• Going for a drive together may seem like a good idea. If you do not live in the same household as your mom, then this is not recommended. If you do have to share a vehicle, take precautions such as limiting passengers, having the person from the other household sit in the back seat, rolling down windows, washing hands before and after trip, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and wearing a cloth mask as an added measure.

The Health Unit staff are answering COVID-19 related questions and concerns from 8:30am to 4:30pm every day at 1-800-660-5853 extension 2499. Public Health Inspectors are also available to discuss environmental health concerns. You can also get more information about COVID-19 by visiting www.healthunit.org/coronavirus or by connecting with LGLHealthUnit on Facebook and Twitter.

Article submitted by Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit