On Monday, the US federal government recommended new guidelines for the public to help slow the spread of COVID-19, which includes closing schools, staying away from bars, restaurants, and food courts, canceling discretionary travel, and avoiding groups of more than 10 people. This type of social distancing is critically important to mitigating the community spread of this disease and breaking the cycle of transmission.
It is imperative that our city, county, and state officials urgently act and enforce these measures – and more. Unfortunately, not every public official is taking this pandemic seriously.
That’s why we’re launching Keep Calm And Flatten The Curve, a national campaign for American citizens to call on their mayors, county executives, and governors to immediately enforce the federal guidelines as official policy and institute additional social distancing measures. As a battle-tested community of science advocates, our civic engagement at this critical time can help protect our family, friends, and neighbors. But we must act now.
The Spanish Flu of 1918 ravaged cities around the world, but impacted some far more than others. The oft cited example of how Philadelphia and St. Louis responded to the pandemic demonstrates the importance of local leadership and early action. By slowing the spread of an infectious disease, we can help prevent our hospitals and health care workers from being overwhelmed, which puts all of us at greater risk. Public health officials call this “flattening the curve.”
A century later, we must unite behind the science and mitigate the exponential spread of this global pandemic. So please join the campaign by signing up on our platform, which autopopulates the email addresses for your elected officials along with a call to action.
For the last three years, March For Science has organized locally-driven demonstrations in support of science-informed public policy across the globe. Now is the time to leverage our grassroots infrastructure and change the trajectory of COVID-19 and its impact on our lives. And while the digital platform is only operational for Americans to contact their local officials, we will be rolling out an international campaign soon.
Of course, government action alone is not enough. It is incumbent upon all of us to do our part. Personal responsibility is paramount. And as we prioritize our health and wellness, let’s also recognize that social distancing and self-isolation are not simply about self-preservation; rather, it’s a realization that we are all connected and committed to each other.
So stay engaged. Keep calm. And together, let’s flatten the curve and protect our communities with science-informed policies and measures. We are all in this together. Thank you for doing your part.
In solidarity,
Matt
Matt Tranchin
President
March For Science
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