BIDDEFORD — Back in January, Mayor Alan Casavant issued a proclamation asking residents and visitors to wear masks in public settings, support local businesses and to have patience when facing challenges wrought by the coronavirus pandemic.

Casavant continues to urge people to support local businesses and institutions, and to be good neighbors.

In a note to residents posted on the city’s Facebook page March 14,  he noted incidents of COVID-19 have decreased.

“A few weeks ago, with the affirmation of the Biddeford City Council, I issued a proclamation urging residents and visitors to respect each other, during the omicron surge in pandemic cases,” Casavant wrote. “I asked everyone to be mindful of each other and consider the impact that the virus had on local businesses and organizations. I believe that our residents have responded affirmatively and thoughtfully.”

“However, that situation has changed dramatically,” Casavant continued. “The cases of infection are thankfully decreasing. Because the Proclamation had no definitive term of application, I feel that it is necessary to state that while my serious concerns have subsided, I still believe that it is important that we still maintain our respect and concern for each other. We should continue to support our local businesses and medical professionals, as they still grapple with staffing and protecting themselves and the community from further transmission. Being a good, thoughtful neighbor is fundamental in living in a caring, embracing community.”

He noted a recent campaign by the Heart of Biddeford, called Share the Love, which promotes support for frontline essential workers, by using donated funds to purchase meals for them.

“It is so important that as we continue to grow and diversify as a community, that we do what we can to protect our essential businesses and entities that enrich and nurture our lives,” Casavant wrote in his March 14 update. “By shopping locally, wearing a mask, if requested, and being conscious of each other, we can continue to develop as a desired community of respect and understanding.”

The proclamation asking people to mask up in public settings was issued Jan. 18, at a time when some southern Maine municipalities were issuing mask mandates. Now, nearly two months later, as the omicron surge seems to be waning, the core of  Casavant’s message remains.

“There is so much to love and appreciate in Biddeford,” Casavant wrote. “It is important that we all do our small part to ensure that such love is preserved and protected. In the meantime, stay healthy and enjoy seeing each other’s faces and smiles!”

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