Since announcing my positive diagnosis, I’ve received a flurry of encouraging and supportive messages from friends, family, and supporters. Your kinds words inspire me, they strengthen me, and they keep me going. Thank you so much.

Social distancing is by definition a relatively lonely experience. To help mitigate community spread, we aren’t supposed to be around friends or co-workers, and even visiting family can prove difficult. But there’s more than one way to feel a connection to others. In the age of email, video chat, and social media, we can stay in touch and support each other in other ways - like so many have done for me.

Hearing from supporters like you has meant a lot to me these past few days - and I want you to know that I’m listening to you, too. As I coordinate efforts from my South Bronx apartment with city officials and health experts, it'd be good to get your thoughts. Can you tell me how you’re doing?

TELL RITCHIE HOW YOU'RE FEELING

John: How are you coping during this crisis? Tell me how you’re managing, how you're feeling, and what concerns you have. We've got a convenient form for you to fill out here -- it'll only take a moment.

TELL RITCHIE HOW YOU'RE FEELING

COVID-19 may have confined me to my apartment, but it hasn't stopped me from advocating for Bronx families and working on behalf of the community. I’ve seen the horror stories -- from health care workers using garbage bags in lieu of personal protective equipment, to New Yorkers waiting several hours to be seen at hospitals only to be told to try again the next day. These challenges are as heartbreaking as they are unacceptable.

I’m spending every waking moment trying to do what I can to identify solutions. We’re going to get through this together -- and we all have a role to play. So, while you practice social distancing, take a moment to tell me how you’re doing.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

-- Ritchie