A struggle we share

So much has changed in the world, and one of those things is time. For many people, the days blend together; there’s just being. With that in mind, I could relate to what New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said at a press briefing in late March: “You know how I knew today was Saturday? Because I looked at my phone and it said, ‘Saturday.’”
That’s the case for many of us, and it must be the case, much more so, for the essential workers on the front lines every day, across the country. Hospital workers come immediately to mind, as they shoulder so much of the response to the pandemic. On Sunday, as I wrote these words, I heard New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio relay a wonderful story of gratitude. A large group of firefighters went to a New York City hospital and, at a distance, literally cheered them on, thanking them for their work. It’s one more instance of the community support, which is showing up everywhere and helping us through these difficult days.
However, another theme this past week has been officials reminding people of basic precautions (such as six feet of social distancing), as the number of COVID-19 cases has increased in the U.S. In Vermont, Gov. Phil Scott expects to extend the state’s stay-at-home order beyond April 15. The state recently put restrictions on travel, lodging and shopping for nonessential products.
"We're moving in the right direction and the mitigation efforts are having a beneficial response, so we want to continue down that path," he said at a press conference Friday.
The progress so far has been a community response, with the vast majority of people following state and local directives for public health. Many local businesses have also adapted as best they can, amid a challenging and rapidly changing economic landscape. And new volunteers have stepped in to help local nonprofits and other groups, as some have had to stay home.
As we roll further into April, we’ll continue to need each other’s support. Though amazing work is being done to help the community, many individuals and businesses face daunting financial struggles which are far from over. Let’s keep helping our neighbors, each chance we get. In the end, we’ll get through this struggle, thanks to each other.

—Gareth Henderson