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A resolution declaring March 1 as COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day.
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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 that is having catastrophic effects on human life, our community, and our economy; 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 the 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 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 suffer with lingering side-effects of the disease long after they no longer test positive; and
WHEREAS, more than 2,300,000 people worldwide and 463,000 in the United States have lost their lives due to COVID-19, and, in Nashville alone, more than 600 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.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby declares March 1, 2021, as “COVID-19 Memorial Day”, in remembrance of those who have lost their lives and in honor of those who continue to suffer from the impact of this virus.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.