Op-Ed: Rockland Together Can Overcome The Coronavirus Challenge

by Rockland County Legislature Chairman Alden H. Wolfe

Like many of you, I am disheartened by the intense spreading of the new coronavirus and the way it has upended our daily lives. Although the medical experts warned us that there would be an uptick in cases, the reality is hitting all of us hard and I want to acknowledge everyone’s concerns and fears.

I am hoping all who are and who will become ill make a full recovery, but like you, I know many will suffer and some will lose their lives to this virus, as some already have, even here in Rockland. Sadly, this is the reality of what we’re facing.

As the weeks have passed and we have all tried to prepare as best we could, I have noticed something important: All across Rockland County, people have stepped up to help their family members, friends, neighbors, even strangers. They are helping our seniors and our school children.

The worst illness to come our way in a long time, is bringing out the best in so many:

• In East Ramapo, after much hard work, a way was found to provide food to students from working class families – potentially some 7,500 children who might not get enough to eat otherwise. Other districts are taking similar action.
• At Meals on Wheels in Nanuet, volunteers have spent hours packing food boxes for delivery to homebound seniors who really can’t fend for themselves in terms of getting food for their table. And the food boxes are being offered to anyone in need now, not just our valued seniors, with the organization increasing its capacity by an amazing 25 percent.
• In North Rockland, members of a Facebook community page plan to check on seniors and others who don’t have loved ones in the area, including picking up groceries and medications so these folks won’t have to venture out and risk exposure - and so they know that they are valued and their community cares about them.
• A legislative employee had some tissues taken from her shopping cart when she turned her head away to grab a can off the shelf. The next morning, she found a pack of tissues on her chair, left by a coworker who heard about what happened.

These bright moments are being taking place throughout our county and they give us hope and hope is what we must all turn toward during these challenging days – and we have many yet to endure.

I know everyone is concerned about this virus and many are even fearful. But if we follow the guidance of our health care professionals and scientists, we can take actions that can reduce the incidences of illness, protecting us as individuals and as a community.

Some of our neighbors are struggling to put food in their cupboards and in their refrigerators. Our senior citizens are worried about becoming infected and nervous about venturing outside – at all. The anxiety this virus – and the anticipation of potentially becoming ill - has caused for so many can feel overwhelming for some.

Many of our family members, friends and neighbors, including seasonal workers and those in the restaurant, bar and retail businesses, among others, may face a temporary or permanent job loss due to the economic impact this virus is also spreading. Municipalities may see less revenues in the form of sales tax, something that can have tremendous impacts on our abilities to provide vital services.

Most of us have never faced a crisis such as this in our lifetime.

But we also know that Rockland County has faced many challenges, including the extremely difficult budget deficits of the previous decade.

We overcame those challenges and we surmounted the difficulties.

We worked – together – to find and implement solutions.

I have no doubt we will do the same in the face of and in the aftermath of COVID-19.