I'm directing flags at all City of San Diego buildings and facilities to fly at half-staff in tribute to every American, Californian and San Diegan who has fallen to COVID-19, and in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in hard-hit places like New York — where the most lives in any state have been lost and Governor Andrew Cuomo is calling the toll worse than 9/11.

The sudden passing of so many fellow Americans from a pandemic disease is unparalleled in modern history. It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the continued loss of life and I ask that you join me by keeping the departed in your thoughts and prayers.