City, health leaders reflect on the COVID-19 brand in Jacksonville

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A year ago, Duval County reported its first case of COVID-19, changing our lives in a way many of us had never imagined.

City leaders and hospital officials took Saturday to reflect on last year.

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said in a statement posted on YouTube a year ago that she signed an emergency order to head to COVID-19 in Duval County. “These are defining moments for the people of the communities and the citizens of Jacksonville have demonstrated time and time again since our founding in 1822, we are strong, compassionate, bold and resilient people.”

COVID-19 closed beaches, gyms and entertainment venues, made the transition from children to online learning and left many people unemployed.

To date, more than 90,000 cases of coronavirus have been reported in Duval County.

“The term for me that really relates all last year, I think, is‘ challenging, ’” said Dr. Chirag Patel, assistant chief physician at UF Health Jacksonville. “Challenging because of the number of cases, the severity of the disease, the high mortality rate with COVID, they really all combine to have a huge weight on the mental health and well-being of health workers.”

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But Patel said the common thread is that health workers and the scientific community across the country faced the challenge.

A year later, cases are dwindling and several vaccination sites are being set up across the city that offer some hope.

But the mayor encourages citizens not to lower their guard yet.

“We are really a kind and compassionate people. A year later, there are more vaccines available, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We just need to move a little further, “Curry said.” I encourage everyone to fight to end this pandemic once and for all. “

When we see this light at the end of the tunnel, Patel also encourages people to keep wearing a mask, socially distancing themselves, and washing their hands frequently.

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