Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Memorializes Residents Lost During the COVID-19 Pandemic

MILWAUKEE, WI – The following is the statement of Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in memorial of the 1,019 COVID-19 related deaths in Milwaukee County since March 2020:

“On this day, one year ago, Wisconsin confirmed its first case of COVID-19, and today, our entire world remains changed due to the pandemic. Mask wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing are an essential part of everyday life. And, we continue to mourn and honor those who are no longer with us due to the most the lives lost to one of the deadliest pandemics in world history.

“Earlier this week, Milwaukee County tragically surpassed 1,000 deaths related to COVID-19. We’ve seen the data on COVID-19 related deaths tick up steadily over the last year, but it’s important to remember that these aren’t just numbers. These are lives lost – a parent, partner, grandparent, sibling, friend, or coworker that is no longer with us.

“So many families and friends have never gotten to say goodbye to their loved ones due to COVID-19 restrictions. Today, we come together to remembers those that we’ve lost. Instead of grieving by ourselves, we grieve together and continue to heal as one county.

“It isn’t easy for any of us to fully accept the loss of over 1,000 Milwaukee County residents. Many of us have had to find acceptance after grieving alone for months, but today, we stand together, we remember together, and we grieve together. We ask all our residents, our businesses, our faith leaders, our non-profits, and our entire community to join us in comforting, remembering, and honor our fellow residents.

“To those who still refuse to take this virus seriously, I implore you to pay attention to lives lost around you – and the lives of the families and friends left behind that will never be the same again. The dangers of the virus are very real. Wearing a mask, washing your hands, and watching your physical distance remain the best way to keep yourself and others safe. Now is not the time to become lax in taking precautions against COVID-19. We must stay vigilant to protect the people around us.”