Volusia County will be Launching Step Up Volusia: Wash Up. Back Up. Mask Up., a New Campaign Monday.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communication News

During a press conference held by Volusia County Government, it was announced a new public awareness campaign will be launched Monday, called Step up Volusia: Wash Up. Back-Up. Mask Up. 

The campaign will reinforce the continuing need for residents to practice handwashing, social distancing, and the wearing of face coverings. Health experts have said all three are the most effective measures for controlling the spread of COVID-19.

The message of the new public awareness campaign is: 

“To protect the community, themselves and loved ones, local, civic, business, and healthcare leaders are doing it. Educators are doing it. Athletes are doing it. Celebrities are doing it. Your mayor is doing it – practicing CDC guidelines to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. And you should do it too!”

According to a release, the campaign will include social media platforms, digital advertising, and billboards urging people to follow public health guidance. Celebrities, recognizable figures, local dignitaries, and community influencers will be featured to help bolster the message that now isn’t the time for the community to let its guard down. 

Residents also will be encouraged to participate in the campaign to help share the message. The campaign comes at a time when the state, including Volusia County, is experiencing a surge in new cases.

“In this age of COVID-19, virtually everyone knows the significance of following the health guidance to help slow down and contain the virus,” said Volusia County Manager George Recktenwald. “But now, more than three months into the emergency declaration, we want to ensure that complacency doesn’t set in. When it comes to personal responsibility, this isn’t the time to let up. That’s our message, and that’s the reason for this awareness initiative.”

The campaign will include messaging on six billboards around the county as well as multiple social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

A website, www.stepupvolusia.org, will be launched for the campaign to host health and safety information along with video messages from prominent figures about the importance of handwashing, social distancing, and wearing masks. 

Participants will include NBA star Vince Carter, songwriter, producer and *NSYNC member JC Chasez and former Orlando Magic power forward Bo Outlaw. Residents also will be encouraged to send in their videos and post and share them on social media, using the hashtag #StepUpVolusia.

Money for the public awareness campaign is coming from the coronavirus relief funds that the county has received through the federal government as part of the CARES Act.