Several months ago, I would not have guessed I would be writing this column about the coronavirus pandemic sweeping through our state and our nation. None of us would have imagined that we would be practicing social distancing, isolating in our homes, and seeing members of the community fall ill and die of a vicious and highly contagious virus. This is an unprecedented time, but as with any challenge Western New York has faced, our community will prevail.

I want to personally thank all of the first responders, essential workers, and volunteers who are selflessly keeping our community moving during this time of crisis. In just the past month, we’ve seen so many individuals rise to the occasion and put themselves on the front lines of this pandemic. Grocery store workers and delivery drivers have kept our families fed, along with workers at schools providing meals for children who need them. Police officers and firefighters have continued keeping our community safe. Postal workers, truck drivers, sanitation workers, and all other essential employees continue to do their jobs and keep our society functioning. Neighbors have stepped up for one another, grocery shopping for those who are elderly or ill, donating excess face masks and other supplies to health care facilities, and setting up social media groups to connect people with resources and raise funds for those in need.

Of course, we must especially thank all of the doctors, nurses, EMS, mental health professionals, nursing home staff, and other health care workers who are on the front lines directly caring for and treating those affected by COVID-19. These individuals are experiencing the trauma of fighting this pandemic in a health care system that too often lacks the necessary equipment and personnel to handle the influx of sick patients.

Over the past few days, as the number of positive cases and fatalities has increased, we have also begun to notice some positive trends in new hospitalization numbers statewide. Unfortunately, we are not yet seeing those trends here in Erie County, but it looks like if we practice strict social distancing and adhere to all orders that have been put in place, we may begin to “flatten the curve.” It’s not always easy, but the evidence suggests that social distancing and other measures actually work and are the reason we are seeing some positive trends in other parts of the state. Stay strong, and keep this in mind: we WILL get through this.

Stay safe, stay well, and please do not hesitate to reach out to my office during these trying times. My staff and I are working from our homes for the foreseeable future, but we are answering constituent calls and emails, and we are here for you.

If you need COVID-19 related assistance and have access to the internet, please visit my website at nyassembly.gov/burke. There, you can submit a form and my staff will connect you with any resources or help that you need. You can also email us at burkep@nyassembly.gov or call (716) 608-6099.