The City of Long Beach today unveiled a digital memorial in remembrance of Long Beach residents who lost their lives due to complications of COVID-19. One life lost is one too many, and while the City honors all Long Beach residents who have lost their lives to this deadly virus, the memorial pays tribute to those whose names and photos were submitted to the City by family and friends.
“COVID has caused so much tragedy for families across our community,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “I know the deep pain that comes with sudden loss, and the importance of having a way to remember our loved ones. This digital memorial is a way we can honor and reflect on those we’ve lost as our city works towards building a more permanent memorial.”
The City requested photo submissions of those who lost their lives due to the virus. In addition to Long Beach residents who lost their lives, the City also opened up submissions of family and friends of Long Beach residents who also passed away due to complications associated with the virus. Entries are displayed in the memorial along with personal messages in their memory. The digital memorial can be viewed at longbeach.gov/digitalmemorial.
“COVID-19 continues to be the leading cause of death in Long Beach,” said Health Department Director Kelly Colopy. “This memorial is a painful reminder of the devastating impacts this virus can cause. Getting vaccinated and boosted remains the best protection for ourselves and our loved ones from the severe illness and potential tragedy this virus can inflict.”
The online submission portal remains open for family and friends to submit photos and messages in memoriam for those who died. To submit an entry, people may visit longbeach.gov/covid19digitalmemorial.
Separate from this effort, the City is also working on establishing a COVID-19 Memorial Task Force, which will be comprised of City and community leaders, who will oversee the planning and development of a physical COVID-19 memorial. Further details regarding the task force and future memorial will be provided once determined.
The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) continues to urge everyone to get vaccinated and boosted if eligible. Vaccines are safe and effective in reducing a person’s chance of contracting COVID-19, as well as preventing hospitalization, serious illness and death among breakthrough cases of the virus. Vaccines are available for everyone 5 years old and older, and people 12 and older who have been fully vaccinated can receive a booster. People can visit longbeach.gov/vaxlb for information regarding vaccinations. The City offers vaccine clinics six days a week. To view the most up-to-date vaccine clinic schedule and to schedule an appointment, visit longbeach.gov/vaxLB or call 562.570.4636. No appointment is necessary at City-run vaccine clinics. People also may contact their healthcare provider or area pharmacies or visit myturn.ca.gov to make a vaccine appointment.
For the latest information on COVID-19, with details on all that the City of Long Beach is doing to keep our residents safe, visit longbeach.gov/COVID19 and follow @LongBeachCity on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. People may also visit longbeach.gov/COVID19data for up-to-date information regarding cases and vaccines in Long Beach.