Although it seems like things are getting back to normal, we’re not out of the COVID woods, yet. It is even more important now to be vigilant and take all necessary precautions as the spread of the virus continues: wear a face covering in public, frequently wash hands, and practice physical distancing. As we go forward, we have to face our fears. Fears can be healthy or exaggerated—and sometimes paralyzing. It takes wisdom to admit that there are dangers around us that need to be properly respected. As fear about the virus set in, misinformation spread, and anxiety grew.
The virus wreaking havoc around the world is real. For many people it is life threatening today. Positivity rates have increased since last week, but the region’s hospital capacity is good. Please continue your efforts, precautions and continued awareness in our community.
There are basic, common sense health practices we must seriously follow, not only for ourselves but on behalf of others. People who are not in high-risk groups should not only set a good example for others, but be willing to share the burdens that others feel. Healthy people, those with no symptoms and no awareness of having the virus, can nonetheless carry it to others, who may not fare so well.
There’s also a legitimate financial fear that goes with this health crisis. It has already produced financial damage that has not only hit the stock markets, but will have an impact on the economy for months to come. We are thankful that Oceanside had a strong pre-pandemic economy, but it’s certainly going to suffer some shockwaves.
We must be prepared to face up to these financial difficulties. We need to be alert to the needs of one another. We will work hard to be good stewards of the City of Oceanside, to protect its overall health and mission. We are committed to all who depend upon the City for critical services. The City Council has taken a number of actions in recent months to help Oceanside families and businesses through these difficult times. We will continue to seek solutions.
It’s not yet known how significant this financial impact will be, or how long it will last, but we are preparing to face it head on and embrace a fruitful future. Now we focus on safely returning our working residents to meaningful employment. I’d like to thank all City employees who have done a remarkable job of staying safe and working around the clock to keep all of us safe. Between COVID-19, the floods in April, and civil unrest, all residents and businesses should know the great job these
employees have done to protect and serve the community.
I’ll close with a reminder for our community to keep it local this summer and shop, dine and reinvigorate our Oceanside businesses whenever possible. Our collective resilience and commitment to help each other will carry us through this very difficult period as we focus on critical steps to create a more equitable and prosperous Oceanside.
“These can and should be days of rededicated care, friendship, work, service and love.”
Sincerely,
Peter Weiss
“Keep it local this summer and shop, dine, and reinvigorate Oceanside businesses whenever possible.”
