(ffm) In a video message, Mayor Peter Feldmann addressed the people of Frankfurt directly for the first time since the outbreak of the coronavirus on Tuesday, March 17. "Dear citizens of Frankfurt, all of us together are facing a great new challenge. Together, we will act calmly, prudently and clearly, slow down the spread of the Corona virus and, above all, protect the elderly and the vulnerable," the city leader said.
The measures taken by the federal government, the state and the local authorities are undoubtedly a big but indispensable break for everyone, he said, drastically changing the lives they are used to. But: "The situation is serious, at the same time the state authorities have it under control. Even in the administrative staff of the city of Frankfurt, all relevant actors decide and act together," the city leader urged prudence and appealed for trust in the decisions of state institutions. "My appeal to all of you is: follow the state guidelines," Feldmann stressed. For it is only by joining forces that the virus, which is particularly dangerous for the elderly, can be combated and brought under control. The aim of the combined measures, he said, was above all not to overburden the health system and thus to ensure optimal health care for everyone who needed it.
"My thanks go to all the people who are working to maintain the care, the safety, the health of the people of Frankfurt," Feldmann said. In addition to doctors, nurses and security officers, the city leader also explicitly thanked all those who work in retail and ensure every day that the supply of food and hygiene items is maintained. "I appeal to your common sense and ask you to refrain from hoarding purchases and to cease personal contact with your fellow citizens as much as possible over the next few weeks. This is the only way we can work together to defeat this invisible but sometimes deadly enemy," Feldmann said. For it is a task for society as a whole to look after those people who are particularly vulnerable.
At the same time, the Lord Mayor demanded that politicians join forces to stabilise the local economy in all sectors. To this end, the federal government and the state of Hesse have initiated extensive measures. "I am also calling for a 10-billion-euro program from the state of Hesse to stabilize our infrastructure, which will quickly, unbureaucratically and effectively reach all those, some of whom are existentially dependent on it," Feldmann said. After all, he said, it was a central task of politics not only to preserve the economy, but also to protect the lives of the population. In view of this challenge, he said, money plays a subordinate role.
"In these times, we realize what really counts: Public spirit, a sense of responsibility, standing up for one another. It is often supposedly small things that become big things when many do them: shopping for our elderly or sick fellow citizens, a donation to the food banks for people in need, a phone call to people who are not doing so well, and respect for the sales clerk in the retail store, as well as supporting our emergency services. Whoever takes these principles to heart has achieved a lot in the current situation and contributes to making the time of anxious hoping as short as possible," Feldmann asked the population for active assistance.
