006 of 2021 - Declaring March 1st as COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day in Salt Lake CityJOINT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE FIRST MONDAY IN MARCH AS
COVID-19 VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS MEMORIAL DAY
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 that is 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 prevent any potential
learning loss due to not being in-person; and
WHEREAS, 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 stepped up to provide 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 inequities already
prevalent in our systems that we must address as a nation; and
WHEREAS, the symptoms and severity of COVID-19 can vary dramatically by
individual and the long-term health implications for survivors is largely
unknown, as many suffer with lingering side-effects of the disease long
after they no longer test positive; and
WHEREAS, more than 2,333,446 people worldwide and 466,465 people in the United
States have lost their lives due to COVID-19, and, in Salt Lake City alone
more than 137 community members’ lives have been lost to this deadly
virus: and
2021-5816
6 of 2021
WHEREAS, each life lost to COVID-19 leaves a hole in the hearts of loved ones, family
members, and community; and
WHEREAS, public health guidance and policies targeted at prevention, such as social
distancing, wearing masks in public, frequent handwashing, and
staying home help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, prevent illness, and
lessen the burden on individuals and society.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
The Salt Lake City Council and Mayor of Salt Lake City designates the first
Monday in March as “COVID-19 Memorial Day,” in Salt Lake City in
remembrance of those who lost their lives and in honor of those who are forever
marked by COVID-19 and continue to suffer from the impact of this virus.
Adopted this _____ day of February 2021
________________________ _________________________
Erin Mendenhall Amy Fowler, Chair
Salt Lake City Mayor Salt Lake City Council Member, District Seven
_________________________ ____________________________
James Rogers, Vice Chair Andrew Johnston
Salt Lake City Council Member, District One Salt Lake City Council Member, District Two
___________________________ ____________________________
Chris Wharton Ana Valdemoros
Salt Lake City Council Member, District Three Salt Lake City Council Member, District Four
___________________________ ____________________________
Darin Mano Dan Dugan
Salt Lake City Council Member, District Five Salt Lake City Council Member, District Six
16th