Statement from Council Member Adam Bazaldua on Governor Abbott’s new orders

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Press Release

 For Immediate Release:
April 28, 2020

For More Information, Contact:
Yesenia Valdez, Council Liaison, District 7
Yesenia.Valdez@dallascityhall.com

Statement from Council Member Adam Bazaldua on Governor Abbott’s new orders

“We have worked very hard and successfully flattened the curve in Dallas County, and by the Governor’s new orders, we are just one weekend away from that progress being lost. I applaud those businesses who have already come out against reopening, despite the governor's orders. We are not ready to make this decision, especially with no comprehensive plan on best practices and protective measures in place for this type of action.

My main priority is the safety and well-being of the people of the city of Dallas and I refuse to allow political pressure and/or economic impacts compromise that. Data has been clear and the health professionals have made their determinations which differ from the orders issued. I prefer to listen to our healthcare professionals over politicians with special interests and people pulling their strings.

I represent a majority-minority constituency and this pandemic has shed bright light on the healthcare disparities in minority communities across our country. With the most common underlying health conditions correlated to infection and death by COVID-19 being those also most common in minority communities, the mortality rate of Hispanics and African Americans is much higher than that of others.

This isn’t about a difference of opinion; this is a matter of life and death. I strongly encourage you all to maintain your level of self-awareness and stay home as much as you possibly can. Do not put yourself or your family at risk and remember that as a carrier, you are also putting all of our aging population at risk by ignoring what health professionals have advised. The only reason we have seen the trends maintain steady and the curve flattening is because of the sacrifices and commitment that everyone in Dallas took on in an instant. I believe in our city, we are resilient and overcome all challenges thrown our way, but it requires us all to continue to do our part.”