Designating Monday, March 1, 2021 as COVID-19 Remembrance Day in the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, The first Monday in March has been designated by states, counties, and municipalities across the United States as a day of solemn remembrance and acknowledgement of the experiences of victims and survivors of COVID-19 and their loved ones; and

WHEREAS, COVID-19, scientifically known as “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 that is having catastrophic effects on human life, our communities, and our collective quality of life; and

WHEREAS, Local and state governments, health departments, and public servants have taken bold actions to protect residents, support struggling economies, and find innovative ways to continue the delivery of the vital services they provide; and

WHEREAS, In response to rapid spread of COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders, essential workers have stepped up to help protect our communities and save lives, at the risk of their own health and safety; and

WHEREAS, COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on low-income communities and communities of color, exacerbating inequities already prevalent in our systems that we must address as a nation; 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, 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, who have come to be known as “long-haulers,” suffer with lingering side effects of the disease, long after they no longer test positive; and

WHEREAS, Nearly 2.5 million people worldwide and over 500,000 in the United States have lost their lives due to COVID-19, and, in Philadelphia, more than 3,000 lives have been lost to this deadly virus; and

WHEREAS, The impact of the loss and suffering of so many spouses, parents, friends, neighbors and colleagues over the past year is deeply felt by the Members of this legislative body, and demands our continued vigilance, compassion, and action; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Monday, March 1, 2021, is designated as COVID-19 Remembrance Day in the City of Philadelphia.

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