When the coronavirus first moved into our region, we joined news outlets across the world in trying to provide information and insight for our readers. We shared stats and updates from the CDC, the Alabama Department of Public Health, the governor’s office, local testing sites – any authorities we could get that information from.

First case counts were the focus – until death counts became a reality we had to face.

These days, we haven’t reported as much of that information. Largely, unfortunately, it ceased to be “news;” instead, it’s a our “new normal” that everyone keeps talking about.

But even though in some ways life has started to feel like things are settling back down, we want to offer a gentle reminder: This isn’t over yet.

We’re not trying to be negative or cynical or share a doom-and-gloom mindset, but the fact is, COVID-19 is still a problem here.

Franklin County, as well as counties across the state, is still reporting new cases daily – 27 on Aug. 19, five Aug. 20, four Aug. 21, 10 Aug. 22. We’ve had 141 cases in the past 14 days.

The good news is, we are seeing improvement; that “curve” that everyone keeps talking about does seem to be on the downward trend.

The thing is, authorities attribute that to the precautionary measures we’ve taken – which means to continue to see improvement, to continue to move in the right direction, we need to continue those precautions.

So here’s the reminder from your friendly neighborhood newspaper: Wear your mask. Wash your hands. Cover your cough. Stay home if you feel ill and especially if you have a fever. Maintain social distancing.

Basically, be smart. This isn’t over – not quite yet.