Be respectful of others as we navigate virus
DEAR EDITOR:
It goes without saying that the past few months have been difficult on all of us. The challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic have required all of us to make personal sacrifices and adjustments in our family, work and social lives in the best interests of public health. In addition to many of us missing out on family gatherings and holidays, many are dealing with the uncertainty of how they will provide for their families as well.
So, as we enter the next phase of orders and begin to reopen businesses around our city, I want to remind our citizens that this does not mean we are out of harm’s way. In order to do this in the safest manner, we must continue to comply with social-distancing guidelines when in public places. Our city has been able to keep our COVID-19 numbers relatively low. This is a direct result of our citizens following the governor’s orders and the policies put in place by officials to help protect residents and employees from the spread of COVID-19.
I want to thank everyone for their past and continuing efforts. In order to responsibly reopen, it is paramount that we continue to practice social distancing. As mayor, it is my No. 1 priority to protect our community. A mass gathering recently held in our city produced five cases of COVID-19 that have been traced back to that event. And while I understand the desire for all of us to return to our normal lives, we must use caution.
I want to wish our local businesses the best as they reopen with so much uncertainty. It will be each individual’s personal choice on how he / she chooses to respond to this reopening. Some will be ready to take part, and some may choose to wait and see before they are comfortable. Regardless of what each of us decides, I am asking everyone to be respectful of the personal decisions of your fellow citizens as we continue to navigate this difficult time.
WILLIAM D. FRANKLIN
Mayor
City of Warren