SENATE HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND SENIOR CITIZENS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION No. 82

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 9, 2021

      The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee reports favorably Senate Joint Resolution No. 82.

      This resolution designates March 9 of each year as “COVID-19 Heroes Day” in New Jersey.

      COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that has caused a global pandemic leading to an unprecedented and overwhelming public health crisis throughout the United States.  New Jersey, which has the second-highest incidence of COVID-19 in the United States, has struggled to overcome an overwhelmed healthcare system and a diminished economy.  Essential workers, including healthcare workers, first responders, pharmacy workers, postal workers, childcare providers, food service workers, transportation workers, and warehouse workers, among others, provide services that are essential to the public's health, safety, and welfare and help minimize the disruptions caused by the pandemic. 

      This joint resolution designates March 9 of each year as a date to commemorate these essential workers and all they have done for the people of New Jersey at the risk of their own health and safety.