Proclamation
COVID-19 Victims & Survivors Memorial Day
March 7, 2022
Whereas, the first Monday in March, has been designated as COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day; and Whereas, COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) is an illness caused by a virus that can transmit from person to person and has spread across the world, creating a global pandemic and having catastrophic effects on human life, our community, and our economy; and Whereas, To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, observance of public health orders to social distance and stay at home have created challenges for small businesses, workers, and schools which are working to comply with limited resources; and Whereas, School districts, teachers, students, and parents are grappling with the challenges of distance learning and working to prevent any potential learning loss due to not being in-person; and Whereas, Local and state governments, health departments, and public servants have taken bold actions to protect residents, support struggling local economies, and find innovative ways to provide services; and Whereas, In response to rapid spread of COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders, essential workers have stepped up to provide critical services to help protect our communities and save lives, sacrificing their own health and safety; and Whereas, COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on low-income communities and communities of color, exacerbating the inequities already prevalent in our systems; and Whereas, The symptoms and severity of COVID-19 can vary dramatically by individual and the long-term health implications for survivors is largely unknown, as many survivors suffer with lingering side-effects of the disease long after they no longer test positive; and Whereas, More than six million people worldwide and 972,000 in the United States have lost their lives due to COVID-19, and, in San Joaquin County alone, more than 2,100 lives have been lost to this deadly virus; and Whereas, Each life lost to COVID-19 mattered and leaves a hole in the hearts of loved ones, family members, and surrounding community; and Whereas, Public health guidance and policies targeted at prevention, such as social distancing, wearing masks in public, and staying home help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, prevent illness, and lessen the burden on individuals and society, Now, Therefore, that the Mayor recognizes the first Monday in March as “COVID-19 Memorial Day”, in remembrance of those marked by COVID. Those who have lost their lives and in honor of those who continue to suffer from the impact of this virus; be it further resolved that mayor/city council urge local residents to continue taking preventative measures such as social distancing and following public health orders to mitigate spread of this virus, in tribute to essential workers and those who rose in service to protect the public.
DATE: April 5, 2022
__________________________
Mayor Benjamin J. Cantu
ATTACHMENT 1
Mayor Cantu • Vice Mayor Halford • Councilmember Breitenbucher • Councilmember Nuño • Councilmember Singh