I am heartbroken because powerful, moving protests across the nation had their messages sullied by opportunistic and malicious rioters that had nothing to do with advancing the movement.
I am heartbroken by what I am seeing unfold in our community.
Violence and destruction should not be happening right now. We have to do better and protect our community.
I am listening and I understand the pent-up anger and frustration, but we must take a different path. I was out cleaning up the destruction in West Philadelphia today with fellow legislators such as Senator Anthony H. Williams, Representative Jim Roebuck, City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier and U.S. Representative Dwight Evans, where our community worked hard to build up West Philadelphia and its business corridor. Much of the work to build up this corridor was torn down overnight.
Excuse my language in the video, but I am mad as hell. The looting is taking place in the suburbs as well, which lets us know it is not at all tied to the protests. The protests began peacefully and resonated in their message to affect change. That message is what we must cling to and fight for, not destruction.
We must keep hope alive for justice and the future of our community.
Please stay safe. Please stay home. Wash your hands and follow public health guidelines so that we can beat this virus.
Stay up to date with the latest information on the pandemic at senatorhughes.com/coronavirus.
Here is guide issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, helping provide clear guidance and direction in response to coronavirus COVID-19. The residents of Philadelphia and its suburbs have been ordered to remain at home as to help prevent spread of coronavirus, find out what that means for you.
Montgomery County is doing the same.
Here are some reminders about preventing spread of the disease:
Best practices to plan, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Symptoms of the COVID-19 can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.
What to do if you think you have coronavirus COVID-19, according to the CDC:
- Stay home except to get medical care
- Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
- Call ahead before visiting your doctor
- Wear a facemask if you are sick
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Clean your hands often
- Avoid sharing personal household items
- Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday
For more details on what to do prevent coronavirus COVID-19 spread, visit the CDCs full list of recommendations.
Read more: CDC recommendations on getting tested for coronavirus
