Friend,

This is a difficult day for our community.

It has been devastating to hear about the full extent of the COVID-19 outbreak at the Soldiers' Home. While I am grateful that the State is now taking swift action to ensure residents and staff get necessary care and treatment, I am grief-stricken for those we have already lost, and my heart goes out to their families and friends.

The devastating impact of this virus on an individual is made worse by the limitations on their loved ones to mourn and grieve in traditional ways for those who have passed. To the families who have lost a loved one, know that all of us share your grief.

This is a difficult day for our city, and it is almost certain that more difficult days will follow. Today is a painful reminder that while many people will experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, there are those among us who are at much higher risk, and we must be vigilant in our care for ourselves to ensure the safety of all.

I call on everyone to consider your actions, to be sure to follow social distancing to the best of your abilities, to contact your friends and loved ones, and to take care of yourselves both physically and mentally. While we need distance from each other now, we are in this fight together.

The road ahead will be tough, but I believe that our community is strong and that we will come out at the end more resilient than ever.

Our team is organizing to support the veteran's organizations throughout the district who provide essential services for our community's heroes. You can learn about each organization and split a contribution to them here.

All contributions will directly benefit Project New Hope, Vet Air, and Bilingual Veterans Outreach Centers of Massachusetts, and the veterans in our community who rely on them.

Our community is stronger when we stand united.

Together, we will make it through this.

Alex