As the nation passes the terrible landmark of more than half a million deaths over the past year due to the COVID-19 virus, the Key West City Commission has set aside the first Monday in March to honor the victims and survivors of this pandemic.
Monday, March 1st is designated as COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day.
Bob Eadie, the Administrator of the Florida Health Department in Monroe County, accepted the somber proclamation.
“COVID-19 is having catastrophic effects on human life, our community, and our economy,” reads the proclamation. “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.
“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.
“Each life lost to COVID-19 mattered and leaves a hole in the hearts of loved ones, family members, and surrounding community.”
Eadie reiterated the need for the community to follow public health guidance and policies targeted at prevention, such as social distancing, wearing masks in public, and staying home to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, prevent illness, and lessen the burden on individuals and society.
In the photo: Commissioners Gregory Davila and Jimmy Weekley, Mayor Teri Johnston, Health Department Administrator Bob Eadie, Commissioner Sam Kaufman, Clayton Lopez and Billy Wardlow. Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover attended virtually.