The City of Danville will keep its holiday lights and decorations in the River District in place through Jan. 31 to show support and appreciation for local health care workers who have been on the front lines battling the COVID-19 virus.
By keeping the lights and decorations in place, the City is joining communities across the country in a campaign called “Keep Your Lights Up for Healthcare Heroes.”
“These lights and decorations are an annual part of our holiday season, and for many this year, they provided a sense of normalcy at a time that has been anything but normal,” Mayor Alonzo Jones said. “Our healthcare workers, first responders, and others on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic have battled for months, and their fight is not over. We want them to know that we recognize and appreciate their service.”
The mayor also continued calling for citizens to wear a mask, watch their distance, and wash their hands frequently. These three habits can help you protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
He added that citizens should get the COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to them.
Alan Larson, market president of Sovah Health and chief executive officer of Sovah Health – Danville, thanked the community for its support.
“Our healthcare workers are not only a cornerstone of our hospital; they are integral members of our community. They are moms and dads. Brothers and sisters. Friends and neighbors. And – today especially – they are heroes, fighting on the frontlines to provide compassionate, quality care when it’s needed most,” Larson said.
“As we continue to fight COVID-19, it was so encouraging to see the outpouring of support from the community for our frontline healthcare heroes at the start of the pandemic. We are thankful to the city and surrounding community for participating in the national ‘Keep Your Lights Up’ campaign and encourage the community to continue to show support for all the frontline heroes in our community.”
The City’s decorations include the traditional wreath skylines that stretch across Main Street, the wreaths and holiday banners attached to utility poles on several River District streets, and the lights at the JTI Fountain and Main Street Plaza.
Photos of the lights and decorations will be shared on social media using the hashtag #LightsUp4Heroes. Residents whose lights and decorations remain in place are encouraged to share their pictures and support through social media and tag local health care facilities.