REFERENCE TITLE: COVID-19 memorial day

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-fifth Legislature

First Regular Session

2021

HR 2007

Introduced by

Representatives Terán: Andrade, Bolding, Butler, Cano, DeGrazia, Fernandez, Friese, Hernandez A, Hernandez D, Hernandez M, Jermaine, Meza, Pawlik, Rodriguez, Salman, Schwiebert, Sierra, Stahl Hamilton

A RESOLUTION

proclaiming march 1, 2021 as covid-19 memorial day and supporting continued preventive measures to slow the spread of the virus.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Whereas, the first Monday in March has been designated as COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day; and

Whereas, COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) is an illness caused by a virus that can transmit from person to person and has spread across the world, creating a global pandemic and having catastrophic effects on human life, our community and our economy; and

Whereas, to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, observance of public health orders to social distance and stay at home have created challenges for small businesses, workers and schools, which are working to comply with limited resources; and

Whereas, school districts, teachers, students and parents are grappling with the challenges of distance learning and working to minimize any harmful effects due to children not being at school in person; and

Whereas, in the absence of adequate federal guidance, local and state governments, health departments and public servants have taken bold actions to protect residents, support struggling local economies and find innovative ways to provide services; and

Whereas, in response to the rapid spread of COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders, essential workers have provided critical services to help protect our communities and save lives, sacrificing their own health and safety; and

Whereas, COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on low-income communities and communities of color, exacerbating the inequities already prevalent in our systems; and

Whereas, the symptoms and severity of COVID-19 can vary dramatically by individual. The long-term health implications for survivors are largely unknown, as many survivors suffer with lingering side effects of the disease long after they no longer test positive; and

Whereas, more than 2,000,000 people worldwide and 456,000 in the United States have lost their lives due to COVID-19, and in Arizona alone more than 13,000 lives have been lost to this deadly virus; and

Whereas, each life lost to COVID-19 mattered and leaves a hole in the hearts of loved ones, family members and surrounding communities; and

Whereas, public health guidance and policies targeted at prevention, such as social distancing, wearing masks in public and staying home, help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, prevent illness and lessen the burden on individuals and society.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona:

1. That the Members of the House of Representatives recognize Monday, March 1, 2021 as COVID-19 Memorial Day in remembrance of those marked by COVID-19, including those who have lost their lives and those who continue to suffer from the impact of this virus.

2. That the Members of the House of Representatives support efforts by local residents to continue taking preventive measures, such as social distancing and following public health orders, to mitigate the spread of this virus in tribute to essential workers and those who rose in service to protect the public.