Residents of Verona,
We are currently navigating through the most difficult time that our past and future generations may ever experience. We all must exercise not only the most important practice of social distancing but patience as well. We realize our routines have undergone immense change and how difficult this has been for you. But these changes will likely remain in effect for the unforeseen future. However long it takes, your patience and compliance today will save lives tomorrow.
Over the past weeks we have received word of four Verona residents that have passed away due to complications associated with the Covid-19 virus. This devastating news has finally reached Verona and our hearts break for the losses in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with these families as well as with those that are fighting the virus.
We must acknowledge Verona’s doctors, nurses, hospital staffs and all of our own first responders that are soldiers in this battle. The risks they encounter every day by simply going to work are above and beyond what anyone should encounter. It’s for all these workers that we NEED to exercise common sense and do the best we can possibly do to avoid being careless when venturing out. The weather is warming up and outdoor activities will most definitely increase in coming weeks.
Over the past few days I have seen some groups of parents walking together with their children. This is NOT social distancing. And I want to stress that the longer these activities continue, the more losses we may incur and the longer we must live with restrictions.
Verona, we are fortunate to have multiple vehicles for socializing through technology. I strongly urge you and your families to rely on programs such as Zoom, Skype, Facebook Messenger and FaceTime among others and restrict your contact moving forward to one of these virtual apps. They are easy to use, they bring people together and importantly they keep you and others safe.
If you think you have symptoms, please call your health care provider before calling 911, unless it is an emergency. We mustn’t overburden our first responders and the hospitals that are at or nearing full capacity.
I am always grateful for how the residents of Verona are always ready, willing and able to step up and help others in need during difficult times. I’m amazed at how when our food businesses are struggling to survive amidst all of their changes, that they are donating food to our nearby hospitals’ first line of defense. I thank them all and ask that all residents continue to support our local businesses in any way possible.
Many residents have been asking me how they can help. Since we must avoid contact with others these questions have become more difficult to answer. Our usual response would be to visit those people that we feel are most vulnerable; but we can no longer do this. One way to help is to keep in touch with loved ones and neighbors through our phones and technology. Set a scheduled time for regular calls so that all parties may participate. All residents should try and stay home but when necessarily heading to the grocery store perhaps check in with neighbors, older or disabled residents to ask if they need anything from the store. You can simply deliver products to their front steps. You can also order dinner or lunch to their homes. You can cut neighbor’s lawns. You can bring their garbage or recycling can to the side of their homes with the help of a simple pair of gloves.
Please think of others and help with ideas or suggestions such as passing along a puzzle or game (clean it with a sanitary wipe please), go for a solitary walk or run (don’t stop and talk face to face), work on project, garden, clean out your garage or basement and definitely stay in touch with those in need. Please wear some sort of mouth and nose covering when you must leave your homes. Pass your time in a constructive manner but PLEASE stay at home, wash your hands and be cognizant of your surroundings at all times. Above all, we should try our best to be positive during these unprecedented tough times. We have a great future to look forward to.
With patience and vigilance we will all get through this and together, we will be stronger.
All my best,
Jack McEvoy
Mayor, Township of Verona
