--- title: "Sutter Doctors Urge Vigilance as Communities Reopen | Sutter Health" description: "As Northern California reopens after COVID-19, Sutter Health physicians remind residents to keep physical distance, wear masks and wash hands often." url: "https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/perspectives/even-as-communities-open-up-keep-your-distance" --- 1. [Home](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Perspectives](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/perspectives) / 3. Even As Communities Open Up Keep Your Distance # Even as Communities Open Up, Keep Your Distance As Northern California reopens after COVID-19, Sutter Health physicians remind residents to keep physical distance, wear masks and wash hands often. May 27, 2020 by Liz Madison ![Even as Communities Open Up, Keep Your Distance](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/Vitals/perspectives/Duo-practicing-social-distancing-outside-6abe6897.jpg?h=1414&iar=0&w=2121 "Even as Communities Open Up, Keep Your Distance") It may have felt re-energizing to see and hear many Americans gathering at beaches, pools, parks and other public places this past Memorial Day weekend, but health experts caution others to not let their guard down. “As communities across Northern California start to reopen, we need to remember that COVID-19 hasn’t stopped being infectious,” said **Conrad Vial, M.D.,** chief clinical officer for Sutter Health. “We can’t undermine the physical distancing measures that have been implemented and the impact they have had on slowing the spread of the virus.” **Protecting Yourself, Loved Ones and Friends** Now more than ever, Northern Californians need to remain vigilant about their safety and their health. **Bill Isenberg, M.D., Ph.D.**, Sutter Health’s chief quality and safety officer, shares these important reminders: • Limit gatherings of any kind. Now is still not the time for parties or potlucks, but virtual gatherings continue to be a viable option. • Be mindful of your physical space. Always practice physical distancing and stay at least six feet away from others. • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. • Wear a face covering or mask when inside public buildings and businesses. ## Topics [Disease prevention](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/search?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Disease+prevention%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=articles) ## Related articles ### [How a Simple Cut Led to Urgent Medical Diagnosis](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/how-a-simple-cut-led-to-urgent-medical-diagnosis) ### [New Program Hopes to Solve Food Inequity Among Ag Workers](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/community-impact/study-details-food-inequity-of-ag-workers-cultivo-hopes-to-solve-it) ### [Sutter Hospitals Earn Honors for Antimicrobial Stewardship](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/media-resources/press-releases/sutter-hospitals-antimicrobial-stewardship) ### [The Monkeypox Virus: What You Need to Know](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/perspectives/monkeypox-what-you-need-to-know) [See all from Perspectives](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/perspectives) ## Check your Vitals Get the latest in health innovation, community impact and patient care from Sutter Health — delivered straight to your inbox. 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