How local leaders analyze the situation during a pandemic
(Editor’s Note: Some four months ago, we asked an array of local leaders to give us their takes on the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on our communities. We’re circling back around and asking some of the same leaders and some others about how they see things as we go beyond the half-year point with the coronavirus.)
Marsha Krouse-taylor, executive director of Casa de Esperanza:
At first, she felt uneasy about the COVID-19 situation, said Marsha Krouse-taylor, executive director of Casa de Esperanza -- the local shelter for victims of domestic violence.
“However, since that time I believe we have learned enough that we can, if we follow the science, flatten the curve and eventually end this thing,” Krouse-taylor said. “I really appreciate our contact at our local task force, Dr. Rice. He has answered questions and made suggestions. I also appreciate our statewide coalitions both domestic violence and sexual assault, that have kept us informed and allowed for us to have meaningful conversations around best practices and for support.”
She said people should follow the guidelines put in place.
“We need to follow the science,” Krouse-taylor said. “With the exception of people who have health issues that make it difficult or impossible to wear masks, we all must wear face coverings, wash our hands, socially distance. We need to stay strong and be patient. We need to care for one another by doing our part.”
She said she applauds government members who have taken the pandemic seriously and that there should be continued financial support for individuals and companies affected.
“I cannot imagine how difficult it is for those who have or are losing jobs, for parents and teachers that are homeschooling, or who are sending their children to schools, for shut-ins and the elderly and chronically ill,” Krouse-taylor said.
“... We need a united front to end this. Now is the time for thinking about your neighbor as well as yourself. I miss hugs and kisses. But I can wait if it will keep me and others safe.”
She said she primarily sees two issues when it comes to the pandemic: illness along with fear of illness and the opposite.
“For some people there is the illness and its long-term effects or the horror of having a loved one fighting for their lives in a hospital and they cannot be there with them. For those in the hospitals and battling to live and cannot have their loved ones there to support them. For those afraid of contracting the virus or having a loved one contract it, there is the constant trauma associated with that fear of the virus,” Krouse-taylor said. “The second issue I see is the exact opposite. People who are still treating this thing as if it is a conspiracy and no big deal. The effect here is the continued infection of themselves and of others.”
She said, however, this pandemic doesn’t keep her up at night.
“I pray a lot.
For those I love and those I do not know. I have faith in God and in us as a species. This is not our first pandemic. There were good and even great times beyond the last one. There will be times beyond this one,” Krouse-taylor said. “The good news is science is getting better. We just need to follow it and trust that this, too, shall pass.”
– Ruby Larson, rlarson@ appealdemocrat.com
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Marysville Police Chief Chris Sachs:
Marysville’s police chief is currently working double duty, also serving as the city’s acting community development director. Chris Sachs said the city’s priorities continue to be making the community as safe and healthy as possible, keeping city employees healthy and supporting local business as much as possible.
“Some of the primary effects are affecting our business community and we are working with them to establish overthe-counter permits to allow outdoor seating to meet current guidelines in place,” Sachs said in an email.
He said the city is working with city employees who are parents and are trying to juggle taking care of children who are not able to return to school. Marysville’s school resource officer is teaming up with school staff and conducting home visits and providing outreach to keep students connected with their school, according to Sachs.
“As we continue forward, if this lasts another six months, we will continue to monitor and evaluate the guidelines being established,” Sachs said. “We will work with our community to help support them the best way possible.”
--David Wilson, dwilson@ appealdemocrat.com