Message From Woodbury Mayor Anne Burt

Press release from the City of Woodbury:

"On Wednesday, March 25, the City Council declared a local emergency. This allows the city to take actions such as entering into contracts or other obligations to promote the health and safety of residents and provide emergency assistance, if needed.

Earlier this week, Gov. Tim Walz also announced a stay-at-home order that begins today, Friday, March 27, at 11:59 p.m. This order requires all individuals currently living in Minnesota to generally stay at home in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. I understand how this may cause undue hardship to a large portion of our community. Please know my thoughts are with you and we will make it through this challenging time.

With the Governor’s stay-at-home order, he also supported and encouraged the ability to get outside for fresh air and exercise. While I’ve always appreciated Woodbury’s extensive trail system, I am even more grateful for it now. It’s been heart-warming to see so many residents using our trails and doing so with the necessary social distancing and following the courteous rules of the trail. Exchanging smiles and waves as we pass is encouraging our connectedness.

In addition, as I continue to follow these developments closely, I’ve been filled with tremendous pride this week at the many acts of kindness I’ve witnessed and read about amongst neighbors; those assisting the most vulnerable getting necessities; placing items in their windows as a scavenger hunt for children; and the strong support of our small businesses. These small acts can mean so much and I urge you to continue to care for one another and further our mission of being a welcoming and inclusive community to all. We are all in this together.

On that note, there is something that has been weighing heavily on my heart – I’ve heard reports of discrimination and hate speech happening to some of our neighbors of Asian descent in Woodbury. This is very troubling and not at all who we are about as a welcoming and inclusive community. These acts have no place here in Woodbury. I am counting on all of us to recognize all residents as valuable members of the community. To those who have been victims of unacceptable action, on behalf of our city, I am so sorry. If you are the victim of these actions or are aware of these incidents happening, I urge you to call 911 – our officers are available to assist at any hour of the day.

I would also like to express tremendous gratitude for our residents in healthcare who keep us safe and healthy and those in essential jobs on the frontlines of this pandemic. When picking up necessary supplies, I encourage you to share a smile and thankful words to these hard workers.

As the coming weeks unfold, continue reaching out to your family, friends, coworkers and neighbors via phone call, text or video conferencing. These connections will ensure we are taking care of our mental health during this time of uncertainty.

Please continue referring to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Minnesota Department of Health websites to stay informed about this pandemic and learn more about what you need to do to stay healthy.

All the best in health to you and your families,"

Mayor Anne Burt

This press release was produced by the City of Woodbury. The views expressed here are the author’s own.