Jenna WadsworthVerified account

We should push for a moratorium on evictions & utility shut offs. We must advance paid leave. Workers, especially in the service industry & agricultural sector, can’t afford to take time off. They’ll show up sick in lieu of losing their jobs. #ncpol #COVID19NC #NCAg

We must also address Medicaid expansion & the closure of regional medical centers which is going to hurt us now that #coronavirus has reached pandemic levels. I hope that from our government’s lackluster response to #COVID19 that we are reactionary at the ballot box in November.

We must elect folks who are ready to implement bold solutions to our biggest problems from day 1. We must elect folks who bring new & diverse voices to the decision-making table. #ncpol #COVID19

For too long, our most vulnerable & least economically secure communities suffer the most, particularly when there is a medical or natural disaster. North Carolina has been no exception. #ncpol #COVID19

Inequities & inequalities entrenched in our society will be further exacerbated during this public health emergency. We must act now, but we must also learn from the shortcomings caused locally by preemption policies on the state level & remember that when we vote.#COVID19 #ncpol

It’s time that our elected leaders prioritize people over corporate interests. What is our plan for folks who are incarcerated, institutionalized, in shelters, in temporary living situations, or in ICE custody as we deal with #COVID19?

What about ensuring health centers provide inclusive treatment? LGBTQ patients—especially trans folks—already receive differential treatment in the best of times. How can we assure sick people that hospitals will be safe spaces where immigration enforcement won’t show up?#COVID19

Until leaders talk about & put into action plans to take care of the least of us, government is not doing its job to provide representational service to everyone who calls a community “home.”

I’m committed to racial & social equity. I believe our public policy should reflect those values—even in a rapidly evolving situation. Hell, especially in a situation where the safety & wellbeing of our most vulnerable is already at risk. That’s leadership. #COVID19 #ncpol

In the past hour, we've learned that the @NBA is suspending the rest of their season. We're waiting for the @NHL to do the same. Notable actors like @tomhanks & @RitaWilson have tested positive for #COVID19. Travel to & from Europe is being halted for a month.

This is not time for hysteria. This is a time to begin re-evaluating what the world around you looks like. If you haven't been taking this seriously, it's past time to start. Nationally, @realDonaldTrump could have addressed having the Department of Defense build field hospitals.

@realDonaldTrump should have restored funding to the @CDCgov which needs resources to address this health emergency. Are there @NationalGuard health professionals who could be called up to assist states in managing the implementation of measures necessary to treat the sick?

Before this past week, I'm betting most had never heard of "social distancing." Our Universities are just starting to extend spring breaks & some are slowly transitioning to online learning. We weren't prepared for #COVID19. Some colleges are continuing classes through the week.

Some colleges have only banned groups over 100. Frankly, that's not enough. We're reacting instead of proactively addressing this pandemic. We didn't even have protocols in place for students who are stranded overseas or who don't have access to technology to learn remotely.

In a rural state like NC, I'm concerned what this is going to mean for disparate educational outcomes for our children, as well as University students. While younger folks have better #COVID19 outcomes, older folks they will come into contact with in schools & at home are at risk

That includes your cafeteria workers, your librarians, your janitorial staff, your teachers, your administration & support staff. Parents & volunteers will still interact w/ a campus that is open.

So often, it's very easy to just think about how you are affected by a situation. Your stocks will crumble, your social calendar will be wiped, you may experience sickness, you may have to work from home, etc. but if you have PRIVILEGE, I promise you that you will fare better.

Meanwhile, so many other people can't afford to stay away from work. They can't afford childcare if they still have to work even if schools are closed. Those folks can't afford to stock their shelves for a month of social distancing. Those folks don't work jobs that can go remote

Some of those folks are scared their water will be shut off. They don't know if they will have electricity. They can't make rent if they depend on tips & customers are not showing up. They can't stop going to work if they or their family member's immigration status depends on it.

Even outside of the bounds of considering social & economic equity, you must remember that you do not exist in a vacuum. Older folks or ppl with health conditions are at greater risk w/ #COVID19. You could expose them to the virus, even if you seem healthy or have mild symptoms.

We're all in this together. After #COVID19 has come & gone, we will still be a part of this community. Treat people with respect & dignity. Remember that just because you're okay, doesn't mean everyone else will be. Remember that your actions matter.

This is going to get worse before it gets better. I wish that wasn't the case, but we must respond to the reality of #COVID19 & act responsibly. Be a good neighbor. Be a good person.