senate resolution no.19

Senators Polehanki, Moss, Bayer, Wojno, Alexander, Hertel and Brinks offered the following resolution:

A resolution to designate March 1, 2021, as COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day.

Whereas, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a virus that can transmit from person-to-person and has spread across the world, creating a global pandemic and having catastrophic effects on human life, our communities, and our economy; and

Whereas, In response to the rapid spread of COVID-19 and recent stay-at-home orders, essential workers have stepped up to provide critical services in order to help protect our communities and save lives, while sacrificing their own health and safety; and

Whereas, COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on low-income communities and communities of color, exacerbating the inequities already prevalent in our systems, and has further exposed how racism and classism are America   s most dangerous preexisting conditions; and

Whereas, The symptoms and severity of COVID-19 can vary dramatically by individuals and the long-term health implications for survivors is largely unknown, as many survivors suffer from lingering side effects of the disease; and

Whereas, As of February 23, 2021, more than 2.48 million people worldwide and 500,000 people in the United States have lost their lives due to COVID-19, and, in Michigan alone, more than 15,362 lives have been lost to this deadly virus; and

Whereas, Each life lost to COVID-19 matters and leaves a hole in the hearts of loved ones, family members, and surrounding communities; 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; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body designate March 1, 2021, as COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day; and be it further

Resolved, That we urge local residents to continue to take preventative measures, including social distancing and following public health orders, to mitigate the spread of this virus; and be it further

Resolved, That this resolution pay tribute to essential workers and those who rose in service to protect the public.