A handshake and a smile. How we were taught to measure the intentions and sincerity of those we met. Like 9/11 forever changed air travel, the gloves, masks and sanitizers of this pandemic will forever change how we socialize.
I signed (May, 2020 ) the Declaration for the City of Heath, and we ordered the restaurants to end dine-in service and limited the size of gatherings. We could not let Heath become a proving ground for the science and the math of this pandemic.
The county and the state followed with similar orders. As Heath led going in, we will lead coming out. We have formed a task force led by Councilman New to provide guidelines for our recovery. We must turn the valves carefully to resume the flow carefully while limiting the risk for our citizens.
Our low density (population around 9,000 ) and limited retail (13 curbside delivery and essential businesses ) provide an advantage in developing a model for success.
We all have choices. Ultimately, the success of our recovery depends on our actions. I believe in the citizens of Heath and know that we will come out of this stronger than we went in.
We can give up the handshakes, but our success will be measured by the number of smiles.
Mayor Kelson Elam (Yep, that’s our only son. )
Photo credit: www.kelsonelam.com
