The Observation Deck

I was speaking with Lakewood City Council President Dan O'Malley who also represents Ward 4 in Lakewood.

"I was told to put myself into self quarantine" said the usual cheerful President O'Malley. "I had dinner 8 days ago with a friend in Washington DC, and I just found out at 8pm tonight that he tested positive for COVID-19."

I asked how he felt and he chuckled and said "Great, no aches, no pains." I asked him about last night's council meeting. "He said everyone was very quiet, and sat at safe distances, no one shook hands.

When I asked how he is handling it, and he said, "I only have 5 more days of quarantine now. But I have no problem getting tested at that point."

Again this shows just how close to home this can hit.

Stay home, be safe.

.

Hello! Just want to clarify a few things: There is absolutely no cause for undue alarm. I am feeling fine, and since I learned I may have come in contact with someone who was diagnosed with coronavirus I made the decision myself out of an abundance of caution to self-quarantine, which public health authorities advise. Since returning home from Washington last week I have stayed home as much as I could anyway, leaving mostly for necessary shopping and work. We should all be staying home as much as possible anyway. I have also informed my colleagues of this. Again I had/have no intentions of sounding alarms and the people who are actually suffering and have had their livelihoods disrupted should be our focus, as well as preventing the spread of COVID-19. The governor and the mayor and their administrations are doing an excellent job coordinating with public health experts to protect our citizens as best as possible. I am convinced we will get through this!

Dan OMalley wrote:Hello! Just want to clarify a few things: There is absolutely no cause for undue alarm. I am feeling fine, and since I learned I may have come in contact with someone who was diagnosed with coronavirus I made the decision myself out of an abundance of caution to self-quarantine, which public health authorities advise. Since returning home from Washington last week I have stayed home as much as I could anyway, leaving mostly for necessary shopping and work. We should all be staying home as much as possible anyway. I have also informed my colleagues of this. Again I had/have no intentions of sounding alarms and the people who are actually suffering and have had their livelihoods disrupted should be our focus, as well as preventing the spread of COVID-19. The governor and the mayor and their administrations are doing an excellent job coordinating with public health experts to protect our citizens as best as possible. I am convinced we will get through this!

Dan,

Thank you for your caution and transparency.

Stay well.

Meg