To beat coronavirus, Sacramento County residents must work together and follow the rules
“In a time of domestic crisis, men of goodwill and generosity should be able to unite regardless of party or politics.” Those are John F. Kennedy’s words, and they’ve never been more applicable than right now. We’ve taken to heart the spirit of that message, and despite our political disagreements, we’re working collaboratively in response to this unprecedented health crisis affecting our common constituents.
As we move into the fourth week of Sacramento County’s now extended stay-at-home order, both of us want to first and foremost offer our thanks to the entire community for helping to slow the coronavirus’ spread.
It is because of residents’ commitment to self-isolate, practice appropriate social distancing and pay attention to public health directives that we are indeed “bending the curve” in the right direction when it comes to mitigating disease impacts.
Unfortunately, all we have to do is witness what is occurring in other parts of the country, and across the world, to understand the pandemic’s devastating consequences. Images of overflowing intensive care units and accounts of ventilator shortages should spark the same concerns for you as they do for us. It’s all a poignant reminder that, as difficult as it is to be isolated or to forego the embrace of loved ones, it is these selfless acts that provide our first responders and healthcare workers with the time and resources necessary to save lives.
Without the community’s ongoing observance of the kinds of protocols that were just recently extended at least until May 1, we are convinced Sacramento County could experience something entirely more dire and distressing. So, we sincerely appreciate everyone who is continuing to do their part to respect the stay-at-home order.
As for the few others in our community who willfully disobey the extended order, you should know this: The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department will continue serving as much as possible in an educational capacity to remind good folks about expected behavior. But as was the case when the initial order was announced, the public should also understand that the order comes with the full weight of the law, including the possibility of misdemeanor arrests, citations and fines.
To be clear, our sworn officers do not want to issue citations or arrest people for violating the order, or for congregating or being too close to each other. However, our responsibility for public safety during this crisis is to keep the entire community safe. We will shift from education to enforcement, if needed, to keep our communities safe.
There is too much at stake, especially now when we know what we’re doing is working. We know that keeping people away from each other is slowing transmission because of the unique characteristics of this virus, which in some can manifest without notice. That makes it particularly dangerous because people may shed the virus while feeling fine, and they may inadvertently infect others.
“Together we’ll get through this.” This has become the community’s rally call during this historic public health challenge, and for good reason. Sacramento County’s agents and agencies – including the Board of Supervisors and sheriff’s department – will continue to work together with those we serve to ensure we minimize suffering and anxiety, but it is a two-way street. As long as county residents continue doing the impressive job they have done thus far, we’re convinced all of us will be able to look back months from now knowing that, when we had to, we all met the challenge and prevailed.