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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 21 As we are seeing in other parts of the country, the Rappahannock Area Health District has reported a rise in COVID-19 cases in our community. This rise in local cases highlights the continued importance our community members should place on following the Center for Disease Control guidelines to protect one another from a virus for which there is no vaccine and no cure. We are in this together. Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Keep social distance. Science has proven that masks are effective in slowing the transmission of the virus. In communities where mask adop- tion has been mandated or voluntarily embraced, statistics show a reduction in death and infection. Recent studies in Health Affairs, The Lancet and medical journals, compared the COVID-19 growth rate before and after mask mandates in various states. They show that mask mandates led to a slowdown in daily COVID-19 growth rate over time. Health Affairs data suggested the first five days after a mandate, the daily growth rate slowed by 0.9 percent compared to the five days prior to the mandate, and at three weeks, the daily growth rate had slowed by 2 percent. Inter- nationally, countries that have embraced wearing masks or mandated them have had a significantly lower death rate due to COVID-19. That's why we are here. As the leaders of the healthcare organizations serving our community, and on behalf of the thousands of doctors, nurses, and employees throughout our health systems, we ask you to please help us keep our com- munities safe. Wear a mask. Wash your hands regularly. Keep your distance when you must be near others. Together we will overcome this challenge. Karen Dulaney Executive Director Llyod F. Moss Free Clinic Dr. Michael P. McDermott President and CEO Mary Washington Healthcare David McKnight Chief Executive Officer Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center Joint Open Letter on Masks A short drive east, BELLE GROVE PLANTATION in King George transports you back to the days of southern elegance and charm. As the birthplace of President James Madison, the historic mansion has four master suites with private baths and views of the river and plantation. Historic and local attractions are an easy drive away and Virginia wine country is just around the corner. Just south of Fredericksburg is MAGNOLIA MORNING ESTATES, nestled in the quaint town of Bowling Green. The estates are made up of private cottages where visitors can retreat and enjoy their own private space. Amenities include king or queen size beds, large bathrooms, and each have their own living room, screened in porch, dining area and more. Minutes away from Fort A.P. Hill there's lots to explore for history buffs and lovers of antiquing, shopping and casual or fine dining. Whether you enjoy luxury or rustic charm, there's a bed and breakfast to suit your need and to give you that much deserved getaway. Many have reopened and are following government recommended safety measures to keep their guests as safe as possible. West of Fredericksburg is WALDEN HALL, located in the town of Reva. A premium lux- ury bed and breakfast, Walden Hall is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Charlottesville and Culpeper. Boasting five luxury guest suites, each with en suite bathrooms, Walden Hall offers an intimate and inviting atmosphere perfect for romantic getaways. The home sits on 10 acres of rolling farmland, and the inn inspires its guests to reconnect with nature, relax and enjoy luxurious accommodations.