West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor demonstrates the wearing of a face mask in this vide, and urges the community to continue to stay strong and resilient.

The following message was send to the West Hartford community from Mayor Shari Cantor:

Hi, this is Mayor Shari Cantor.

I am so proud of our community. You are stepping up to the tremendous challenge facing each and every one of us. You are honoring and protecting, supporting and celebrating each other.

I need to extend a big thank you to those of you who donated much needed personal protection equipment and hard-to-find cleaning supplies during our first collection week. Please keep these items coming.We have blue containers at the entrance of the police department, fire department headquarters, and public works. In addition to surgical masks, face shields and Tyvek suits, we also need the hard to locate cleaning supplies that are listed on our webpage.

And although we are still seeing increases in the number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, we are also beginning to see the positive effects of our physical distancing efforts and we are flattening the curve. We need to remain resolute. The CDC now recommends the use of cloth face coverings when we are in casual contact with anyone outside of our immediate household, especially in grocery stores or pharmacies. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2 or those individuals with breathing complications. But remember physically distancing and frequent hand washing remain the most important things that we must continue to do.

Next week, West Hartford Public School students will be on Spring Vacation. We want to remind you to stay strong and practice physical distancing – avoid play dates, sleepovers, and parties.

I am heartened when I go for a walk and I see so many families walking, talking on their stoop, drawing with chalk, riding bikes or scooters. Rarely in our lives do we have this kind of opportunity to slow down and spend time with family and connect with friends virtually. We can find the good in this very challenging time – enjoying our families, neighborhoods, and walkable streets. Between puzzles and cooking, gardening and dancing, drawing and reading, writing a poem or a song – try to enjoy the opportunity to do these things we often just cannot find the time to do.

Our first responders and healthcare workers have a special place in our hearts- so display a heart on your home to show your support.

I hope this spring holiday season brings hope, strength, peace and healing to you, our community, our nation, and the world.

Be well, stay home and stay healthy. Thank you for listening.

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