Delaware County Participates in National COVID Memorial | News

Media >> Almost a year after the first confirmed case of COVID-19 hit the American coast, the Delaware County Council nationwide to observe the moment of silence of those who lost the deadly virus. Joined the municipality of.

“Trageously, the COVID-19 pandemic killed more than 400,000 Americans and 1,061 beloved residents of Delaware County from the virus,” said Council Chairman Brian Zideck. I will. “We mourn the loss of each member of the community and honor them here tonight.”

When a councilor joined other government officials on the steps of the county hall on Tuesday at 5:30 pm, the church bells rang and surrounded by candles and celebrities representing the inhabitants of each county who died in COVID-19. I did.

Municipalities were invited to illuminate government buildings, and churches were invited to ring the bells as a way to participate to observe the solemn events broadcast live on the county’s website.

Dr. Frederick Hermann, a medical inspector in Delaware County, said the country was in the midst of a surge in coronavirus infection when new, more contagious variants of the virus emerged in the United States.

“The number of people infected with the virus and the number of deaths so far is staggering,” he said. “95.5 million people worldwide are infected with more than 2 million deaths, the United States is unbalanced, with 24.7 million confirmed COVID-19 infections and 409,000 deaths.”

Earlier this week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that these numbers could reach 500,000 nationwide by mid-February. To date, 777,000 people have been infected and nearly 19,500 have died in Pennsylvania, Hermann said.

According to Hermann, the statistical number is one, but the human suffering is completely different. He said the United States is, at best, a “death-denying” culture in which it is difficult to confront the inevitability of death.

The pandemic was forced into isolation, eliminating or postponing the usual funeral rituals and other mechanisms for dealing with death, bringing a new level of struggle to the vast numbers of people already affected by the loss of loved ones. He said it helped.

According to Hermann, the mental health problems associated with sudden death are serious, with 3.5 million Americans directly mourning the deaths of those who have died from the virus, in the form of “long-term grief disorders.” Ancillary damage is expected to continue. Secondary health effects of increased suicidal ideation, substance abuse, and undetected and untreated natural illnesses.

Aside from COVID-19 deaths in the county, Hermann said his office had already seen a 20% increase in the number of cases, reflecting similar trends in major densely populated areas across the country. It tells the reality.

Among the people who passed through his office for inspection last week was John, a friend of an old college in Hermanns who died of suicide. Hermann said he thought of John a few months ago and intended to get in touch with him, but he never did.

“When I stand in front of you today, I share the sadness and guilt that many are experiencing as a result of this COVID-19 pandemic, and sadness is living and experiencing loss. All you have to do is know what you loved. We are collectively one community struggling to overcome the horrific sacrifices brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, “Hermann said. ..

Hermann said there is hope for the future with the use of vaccines and therapeutics, but many challenges remain throughout the rest of the winter. He urged residents to wash their hands, wear masks, and stay alert for social distance.

Councilor Christine Reuther also reminded residents of an online memorial page created on the county’s website last spring and invited people interested in contributing photos and compliments to their lost loved ones. did. delcopa.gov Search for “Memorial”.

Reuters said the county plans to hold a larger monument at Rosetree Park once it’s safe to meet publicly, and details about the ceremony will be announced at a later date.

“In the midst of this deadly pandemic, where many are saddened by the loss of family, friends, neighbors and colleagues, it is important for us to stop, reflect and remember each one we lost.” Said Zidek. “I hope this monument will serve as a collective healing for our community. Tonight we will remember the precious lives lost, unite as a community and end this deadly pandemic. I swear to do as much as I can. “