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Letter: A Christmas wish for these pandemic stricken times

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Homeless seek shelter under the freeway after being moved from the Rio Grande area earlier this week, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020.

Utah COVID by the numbers:

• 452 restaurants have closed for good.

• 16,000 restaurant workers lost their jobs.

• 22,000 Utah workers in the hospitality industry are without work.

• The arts and culture industry lost 32,000 jobs.

I’ve learned of incidences of suicide in the past several days. Not everyone is suffering from this pandemic equally. If you consider your position fortunate right now, make an effort to help others who are less fortunate.

When you drive around Salt Lake City, you will witness our “tent cities” are growing. Stop thinking they are there because they deserve their situation because of their actions. Be kind.

Help local businesses scrambling to stay open with your purchases. Be loyal.

Reach out to those impacted the most from this pandemic. Check to make certain they are all right. The holidays may make life more difficult. Be caring.

Change your perspective and consider how others might be in trouble, mentally, physically and financially. Be compassionate.

I am hopeful the vaccine will reduce this suffering in the coming months. Let’s get everyone across the bridge to safety.

This is my Christmas wish.

Edward Blake, Salt Lake City

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