Boating. Grilling out. Beverages. Picnics. Flags. Memories. Here in Madison, we know how to celebrate the start of summer. But summer this year will be different from any in our lifetimes.

After two months of Safer at Home, I am really pleased that we have successfully flattened the curve in Madison, so far. That could easily change though, and we need to continue to be diligent. The COVID-19 virus hasn’t gone anywhere, and we are still at risk.

Mayor Satya Wearing her MaskAs you make your plans for the long weekend, please plan to be safe and to show respect for your neighbors and community by wearing cloth facial coverings when you go out in public. It is for your safety and for the safety of those around you. You may not have symptoms, but you could still be a carrier of the virus, or the person you pass on the sidewalk could be. Be safe and be thoughtful of the people around you. Wash your hands frequently, and bring plenty of hand sanitizer to your picnic!

As the weather warms up, more and more of us are eager to get outside. If you are headed to one of our wonderful Madison parks, please wear your face covering. We are getting troubling reports of larger groups of people gathering in parks. Please do not contribute to that problem. Please be mindful that the minor inconvenience of keeping six feet between family groups and wearing a face covering could actually save someone’s life by keeping them virus free.

We have come a long way and it has not been easy on any of us. You’ve been doing a great job, and that shows in the low number of cases we have here. As we start to slowly make our way to our new normal in the world of COVID-19, please keep taking care of yourselves, your families, your neighbors, and our whole community.

As I have said throughout this pandemic, we need to take care of each other, wearing a face covering is a very easy way to do that! Stay well and don’t forget to honor those who gave their lives for their country this Memorial Day weekend.

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