The region still burns.
Roughly eight months after the county’s first COVID-19 case was diagnosed in Chula Vista, the second largest city in San Diego county is also second in the number of coronavirus cases — 7,688 as of Nov. 9.
The number of people infected with the virus in National City is 2,000 and in the unincorporated community of Bonita, 260 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
As the infection and mortality rate across the country climbs, so will the numbers among us.
While some leaders in the public sector have given up — President Donald Trump’s chief of staff Mark Meadows in October said, “We’re not going to control the pandemic.” One particular group among us remains steadfast and vigilant. Dedicated to the greater good.
For the majority of the year, hospital employees throughout South County have given of themselves to care for the community-at-large.
The roll call of helpers goes beyond the obvious players dressed as doctors and nurses and clinicians and laboratory technicians. The people who work in administrative, clerical, custodial, landscaping, food services, communications, IT, engineering, security — full-time, part-time, volunteer or student — all merit recognition.
Every person who sets foot in a healthcare facility ready to put the needs of others above their own deserves gratitude and praise.
In the best of times running a hospital is not an easy task. There are myriad tasks that go into running a smoothly functioning healthcare facility.
But during the time of pandemic and community outbreaks the outside pressure tests the mettle of a hospital’s staff. In addition to their own personal challenges the people who work in our healthcare facilities are also asked to care for their neighbors and co-workers.
It is an act of selflessness worthy of emulation.
In the early days of the pandemic it was not uncommon for communities to hold gratitude parades or send well wishes to healthcare workers. But as pandemic fatigue sets in and people grow weary of wearing face coverings, keeping socially distant or having their livelihoods threatened, the number of coronavirus cases increases and so does the risk of exposure.
Nevertheless hospital workers’ commitment to our well-being remains undaunted. They are the best among us.
