Driscoll Statement on COVID-19 Mitigation

MILTON, MAR. 13 - I support the decisions to close the public schools in Randolph and Milton. We have entered an extended period of disruption & heightened uncertainty due to COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. States of emergency have been declared both federally and in the Commonwealth, and just yesterday I was in the House Chamber to help pass a supplemental budget to create a $15 million fund in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts.

We can all do our part. My aim is not to be alarmist, but rather to provide a caring nudge in case you haven't realized it yet: we are in uncharted waters. We all need to be altering our plans and daily activities. Some of this will be directed and other aspects are up to you. You need to isolate at home as soon as you can. You should make final preparations for an extended 'snow day' type of experience. If possible, you need to stay at home, work from home, and limit interactions with others outside of your home. Stay engaged in routines as much as possible (eating, sleeping).

These closures and cancellations are about maintaining capacity, even at great peril to the economy. If we can slow down the immediate spread, then the healthcare system is less likely to be overwhelmed by a spike in patients.

I wish I could predict for you exactly how things are going to play out and when on a calendar, but my hope is that when we look back at this pandemic, we will be proud of how we met the challenge by supporting each other and adapting daily. We will get through this.

Thank you, be safe, and don't hesitate to reach out if I can be of help.

- Bill