SALT LAKE CITY — Mayor Erin Mendenhall thanked health care workers and residents who have been making sacrifices during the COVID-19 pandemic in a Thanksgiving message.
In a video put out on social media, the mayor expressed her feelings about the holiday.
"For many of us, our feelings this Thanksgiving are a bit more nuanced than years gone by, as we deal with collective and individual struggles and loss. But even with this season’s challenges, there’s no denying that there are many things to be grateful for," she said.
The mayor began by thanking health care professionals who are working to save lives.
"They’re doing so in the face of incredibly challenging circumstances, and we owe them our gratitude for their continued efforts. I’m also thinking of the scientists who have been working non-stop to deliver a vaccine, the prospect of which gives many of us great hope," she said.
Mayor Mendenhall also expressed gratitude for residents who are following COVID-19 health guidelines to slow the spread of the deadly virus.
"I’m also grateful for every Salt Laker who is making personal sacrifices today by sticking to their own households. It’s difficult to forgo those in person, loving interactions with extended family and friends, especially this year when we could all really use a hug. But it is so worth it, to eliminate the risk of family spread and potential tragedy. Thank you for being flexible and responding in this way."
Utah's Department of Health will not update COVID-19 cases because of the holiday, but on Wednesday the agency reported 26 new deaths and 1,781 new cases of the virus (a significant drop from more than 3,000 last week).
Watch the video here: