John,

I wanted to give you an update of what these last few days have looked like -- it’s certainly not the normal routine, as I’m sure is the same for all of you out there.

I’ve transformed my house into a “command center.” I have staff on video conferences and am participating in hourly conference calls. We are staying in constant contact with leaders, public health officials, and public safety officials in our community. And I have to say, the strength of our local leaders is inspiring: They have taken swift action throughout the district to comply with public health best practices that will help save lives.

This crisis also affected politics in ways you’d never have thought: There are members of Congress that have been diagnosed with COVID-19, and several of my colleagues who have been exposed are doing the responsible thing and undergoing self-quarantine measures. 

The Mayor of Miami has been diagnosed, and is telling Spring Breakers that continue to flood the beaches of Florida to “go home.” 

If there’s anything we can all take to heart here, it’s that all of us -- even elected officials -- need to take “social distancing” seriously, to make sure that our hospitals and health care system are able to treat patients with severe symptoms and aren’t overwhelmed. 

So for me, that means it’s time to hop on another video conference call. I hope you all are coping with new responsibilities including child care, working remotely, or other shifts and changes to your daily routine.

Together, we’re going to get through this -- one day at a time. 

With love,

-- Lucy
 

P.S. Here are some great resources I’ve recently seen shared around in the community:

• Here is a great FAQ from the CDC on what to do to prepare your family, if you are experiencing symptoms, or in the case of an outbreak in your community.
• Here's where to start if you need help filing for unemployment, or need to find out if you’ll qualify for paid sick leave benefits passed by Congress this week. 
• Here is a link to some strategies to stay productive and healthy while practicing “social distancing.” 
• Here is the run down on where metro-Atlanta families can access information about meals offered by school districts while they are closed.