“Today, we remember each precious life lost and we vow to unite as a community to do everything we can to end this deadly pandemic,” Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor said.

Dr. Taylor spoke at a Tuesday afternoon vigil on the steps of the Media Courthouse to remember those in the county who have died from COVID-19, writes Kenny Cooper for WHYY.

Nationally, the COVID death toll approaches 1 million, even as new COVID cases are on the decline.

County council decided it was safe to organize the vigil so community members and frontline healthcare professionals could say goodbye to loved ones.

A larger memorial is planned at Rose Tree County Park in Media “when it is safe to gather publicly again in large crowds,” said Councilmember Elaine Schaefer.

Sunday, March 6, was the two-year anniversary of the first case of COVID-19 reported in Pennsylvania, and it came from Delaware County.

Reuther praised COVID-19 Task Force Director Rosemarie Halt and the Task Force. 

“We commend them for doing everything in their power to prevent another life from being lost,” Reuther said.

Halt started when Delco reported its first COVID death. Two more deaths were added March 7, Halt said.

Read more at WHYY about Tuesday’s Remembrance Vigil.