This month, it was five years ago that the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. While we may disagree on the origin of the virus, protective measures taken, and safety of the vaccines, there is no question the impact the pandemic had on our society from which we are still recovering. I recall traveling out of the country in early March 2020 and finding it peculiar that people were wearing masks at the airport – little did I know what would transpire in the coming weeks to months.
At this 5-year anniversary, I would like to thank those individuals who worked tirelessly on the frontlines of COVID-19 in local public health, hospitals and clinics, pharmacies, nursing homes, schools, workplaces, emergency services and other organizations. Many of our residents worked around the clock for months to help others. Teachers made extraordinary adjustments to keep educating our children remotely. The health department operated a COVID hotline and offered testing and vaccines. Healthcare providers risked their lives to save others, often without the protective equipment they needed. Custodial staff continued to show up and clean and sanitize facilities to make them safe for others.
In the past two weeks, I have been reminded of this disease as my father was hospitalized twice with COVID and its severe complications. While he is on the mend, I recognize that many have lost their lives, and it is important that we remember what we have gone through so that we can learn from it and continue to heal.
Dawn M. Ford