This COVID-19 Pandemic has affected us all, I heard Cardinal Timothy Dolan from New York say, “we expected to give up something for lent but probably not as much as we have been forced to”. In Iowa we have suspended our legislative session, closed schools, closed and restricted businesses, churches, limited large gatherings, and have been asked to work from home when possible and so much more. The funny memes and song parodies on social media are trying to help us keep our sanity amidst an event like we have never experienced.
As my family and I have had to adjust our business model to ensure our restaurant Trackside Bar & Grill will re-open to the public when time allows, we have filled the void of customers sitting at our tables and at the bar, to deep clean and paint. (Visit Western Dubuque Restaurants on Facebook for information on those of us still operating with to go and delivery services). Essential businesses are adjusting their operations to ensure the safety of their customers and employees too! Grocery and Hardware Stores have implemented early shopping hours for seniors and have floor markers to assist with social distancing guidelines. Employers have set up areas to check if their employees have any signs of illness and are allowing more time between shifts to clean and sanitize before the next shift comes in.
I am so proud of the people living in Dubuque County and our communities. As I check in with Mayors and city clerks from the district, their communities are taking this seriously and people are doing their part to comply with the Governor’s Orders. There has also been a big team effort with the COVID-19 Response Team, city of Dubuque Staff through Teri Goodman and with Supervisor Ann McDonough to ensure that we are all following the Governor’s orders, putting the health and safety of all Dubuque County Residents first. This is a great example of how government should work and I am proud to be a part of it.
Catastrophic events can bring out the good and the bad in people, you have probably witnessed both. But today, I thank you! Thank you for following Governor Reynolds’s orders and keeping your families safe. Thank you to all of our essential workers, Healthcare, Food Service, Farmers, Manufacturers, Truckers, Caregivers, and Janitorial staff. I especially want to thank Governor Reynolds and her team, the President and his team, and for our elected officials who are making a difference in their communities.
I ask you today to think of and to pray for others, especially during this Holy Week. We are all missing our loved ones and making sacrifices. I can still be reached during this time, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or concerns.
#InThisTogether
