Dear Friend --

Our health department just reported that 14 additional Long Beach residents have died due to COVID-19. This loss of life is devastating. It is double the largest loss of life we’ve experienced in a single day since the pandemic began.

We have now lost over 333 Long Beach residents. This virus is the single largest threat we have ever faced, and remains the biggest threat to life.

My prayers and love goes out to each and every family, especially now during the holidays. I understand the loss and pain.

I know that for many, fatigue around this pandemic has set in, but now more than ever, our hospitals need all the help we can provide. I am asking you again — please do the right thing.

You can do your part by wearing a mask and continuing to physically distance, even during the vaccination process, which has begun and is going well. I am incredibly thankful to our health care workers and our public health teams who are rolling out the vaccine as quickly as possible.

The magnitude of the loss of life we are experiencing each day is beyond tragic. Please help our health care workers take care of those who have already been hospitalized by staying home. Sacrificing this year's traditions and celebrations so that we can have many more surrounded by all those we love is worth it.

Thank you for doing your part.

Mayor Robert Garcia