‘Let’s Keep Monroe Open’ through vaccinations, testing, masking

Rochester, New York — Monroe County and Rochester leaders were joined by the heads of Strong Memorial Hospital and Rochester Regional Health, stressing the importance of preventing the spread of COVID over the holidays.

Adam Bello, Monroe County Executive called on people to try to limit the spread of COVID and the flu, to get vaccinated, get their boosters, and wear masks.

Billed as “VAX-BOOST- MASK — LET’S KEEP MONROE OPEN”, the intent is to avoid some of the closures local businesses and schools implemented last year.

Due to the number of COVID hospitalizations and cases Monroe County is under a state of emergency. New York State enacted a mask or show vaccination requirement at businesses.

According to Bello, there is great concern that the omicron variant and the flu will further stress local hospital systems.

“We have been through this before and we can flatten this curve again if we all simply take the common-sense precaution,” he said.

According to Mayor-elect Malik Evans, wearing a mask is showing respect for others. Evans also encouraged people to take COVID tests before gathering for the holidays to help limit the spread.

“We need to make sure that we take personal responsibility,” he said. “We can stay open – but we know what will happen if we don’t work together on this and in the City of Rochester we have to work together because we have work to do.”

He added that of the 20 lowest zip codes in the county not vaccinated, 14 are in the city.

“We have seen this story before but it is in our hands and in the free will that we have to be able to stop this,” Evans said.