CAMP MURRAY, Wash.—As communities across the state experience spikes in the number of positive COVID-19 cases, former U.S. Defense Secretary, and Richland, WA native, Gen. (R) James Mattis is urging Washingtonians to follow physical distancing recommendations and wear face coverings to help slow the spread.

“The good news is we’re making progress,” Mattis says in a public service announcement. “And that is good news but we’re not at the end of the road. Make sure we’re wearing the face masks and we keep the social distancing. And let’s not go out more than we have to.”

“Over the course of my career, I’ve learned that divisiveness will never work in defeating an enemy,” Mattis added. “We got to all pull together. Sometimes it’s not pleasant. Some of the things we have to do – like wear a face mask and all. We can get through this if we’re united and we’re going to win. So let’s stick together Washington and keep up the good fight until we’re on top of this.”