April 3, 2020
The increase in the numbers reported last week was alarming. I realize part of the reason we are seeing the rapid increase is because more people are being tested but also, more people are being exposed.
Unfortunately, this means there are people we are coming in contact with every day who in all probability are carrying the virus or they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive.
IF you know or even suspect you have been exposed to someone with the virus, PLEASE quarantine yourself for fourteen days. I cannot stress enough the importance of social distancing.
This virus is not playing games and neither should we. In a meeting yesterday, we were told it would be several weeks before this virus would peak. This is going to be a marathon event, not a short race. I can’t stress enough, our lives and the lives of our family, friends and the community depend on us doing our part.
This is a very stressful time for all of us so again, I would urge you to be a good neighbor. If you live close to someone who is elderly, disabled or working long hours and needs a helping hand, please do what you can to help them. It could be something as simple as pulling their trash out for pick up, cutting their grass or maybe a phone call just to see if they need assistance or an encouraging word. Just remember to take all precautions, remaining in a safe distance to protect yourself and those you are trying to help.
It has been called to my attention there are many scams in place involving the stimulus checks. Please be careful who you release your information to and don’t become a victim to these criminals. The federal government will not ask you to confirm your personal or banking information by email, phone or text nor will they demand a processing fee to expedite your stimulus payment.
Also, until this pandemic is over, Waste Management has asked we refrain or limit the amount of non-essential waste placed at the curb such as bulky and yard waste materi-als. They will not be picking up bulk collection such as furniture, carpet, mattresses and appliances. Once their work force returns to pre-pandemic levels, these services will resume and we will be notified accordingly.
Again, let me say how much we appreciate everyone who is working on the front lines, not only doing their part but going over and beyond. Our doctors, nurses, hospital staff, the staff working in the nursing homes and home health, ambulance attendants, the City Police Department, Sheriff’s Department, firefighters and all other essential personnel, especially those working in the dollar stores, convenience stores, fast food restaurants and hardware stores, we want to say thank you! I might add, if you are ordering fast food or take out service for yourself or your family, please patronize our local restaurants . Our first option should always be to shop at home when at all possible.
DeQuincy, if we want our community to survive, we must work together to not only flatten the curve but do our part in stopping the spread of this virus.
April 6, 2020
Today I would like to come to you with a word of encouragement. Yes, I know the numbers are rising and yes, I still believe we need to prac-tice social distancing but today I want to focus on the positive.
I’m quite encouraged by the way our community is working together to support each other. I’ve heard reports of many acts of kindness throughout the community. Riding through the neighborhoods I see families outside playing ball in their yards and interacting with their children. Several of you are jogging, riding bicycles and going for walks; stopping and talking to your neighbors while maintaining safe distances.
I would encourage you to continue doing these things. Priorities have changed; those things that were once so important have taken a back seat and we are getting back to the basics – now it’s FAITH and FAMILY. Social media is now filled with pastors and church leaders sharing an encourag-ing word.
DeQuincy and the surrounding area is blessed with many talented people and they are readily sharing their talents on social media.
Yes, there is so much we could worry about and living under the weight of “what if” is a hard place to live. It is so easy to become overwhelmed and wonder if this situation will ever change. There is a passage in Isaiah 41 that reads “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you , I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”.
I’ve said it before but I feel its worth repeating, DeQuincy is a strong faith-based community so I encourage you to hold on to your faith. Remember, if God be for us, who (what) can be against us. We are going to make it through this storm called Covid-19.
Keep your head up, encourage each other and most of all “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. There will be better days ahead.
Yours truly,
/s/ Mayor Riley Smith
