COVID-19: A word from your local City Councilor
Typically, I shake more hands than your average bear. This is because: a.) I am friendly, and b.) it comes with the job. Yesterday, I ran into a friend on the street. He extended his hand. I returned with an elbow. He was offended. I asked him if he’d been living under a rock lately. He laughed. We hit elbows. Today, I offered another friend an elbow. He responded with a salute. Touché! I responded. (I might add salutes into the repertoire now). I mention this to illustrate an easy and effective way that we can contain the spread of the coronavirus: let’s stop shaking hands!
This is tough for Bostonians. For our (unwarranted, in my opinion) reputation as being a little cold, we love to touch. Handshakes, hugs, busses on the cheek often define our greetings. We can’t do that. At least for a little while.
It also bears repeating that we all have to become expert-level hand washers. No more of a quick rinse with a dollop of soap. We need to treat each hand washing as though we’re preparing to perform major surgery. Sing Happy Birthday twice or opt for an eclectic catalogue of songs as I have done. The refrain from Escape (the Pina Colada song) is especially catchy.
Avoid touching your face. I know: this is impossible. I’ve just touched my face as I’m typing this. But we really have to try to be better.
If you’re feeling sick, please stay home from work if you’re able. If your boss gives you a hard time, have them call me. (And bosses – please encourage telecommuting when an option).
You have no doubt heard by now that the famed South Boston St. Patrick’s Day parade has been cancelled. This was not an easy call to make, but it was the right decision nonetheless. More events will be cancelled. There will no doubt be pushback and disappointment, but please know that this is being done out of an abundance of caution. Believe me, no elected official likes to put the kibosh on fun things, but public health and safety should always come first. This is not only for your safety, but also for those who are older or immunocompromised. As such, I have decided to cancel our annual Irish flag raising reception scheduled for this Thursday, 3/12, at City Hall Plaza. I am enormously grateful for my team member, Shannon Murphy, for her tireless work in organizing this annual event and cannot wait to celebrate it next year!
Dealing with the coronavirus ought to be an apolitical exercise, but there is no doubt that government has to play a vital role. We need to demand that the federal government recognizes the enormity of this crisis. We need increased testing availability, better coordination of federal services, increased access points of information and healthcare delivery systems, as well as a plan to address the economic impact (particularly for those in the service industry).
At the local level, we have a role to play too. I don’t profess to be a public health professional or an epidemiologist, but I have obviously been following coverage of the coronavirus very closely. I’ve recently called for a hearing to discuss strategies and preparedness in Boston along with my colleagues. We will convene all relevant stakeholders to meet to discuss how we can best prevent the spread and impact of COVID-19. The hearing is scheduled for next Monday, 3/16, likely at 5pm. DM/Call/Email me any specific questions or concerns you may have and I’ll do my best to have them addressed.
In the meantime, check in on one another (particularly older relatives), tip well when you go out to eat, and take extra safeguards. We all need to strike the right balance of being hypervigilant without succumbing to hysteria. The impact of the coronavirus is likely going to get worse before things get better and we need to do everything we can to mitigate it. I am confident that being smart, alert, and taking extra precautions will allow Bostonians to do just that.
