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Maintain virtual access to meetings

March 18, 2022

It was two years ago this week that the realization of the COVID-19 pandemic hit home. Our normal stream of life was thrown into a tailspin with restrictions and lockdowns curtailing businesses, work schedules, education, events, churches, social gatherings and nearly every other facet of our lives.

Fast forward two years, and now we are adapting to fewer and fewer restrictions as the number of COVID-19 cases begins to decrease significantly in Delaware and throughout the nation.

Although the pandemic has been devastating to many people and businesses, there are some lessons learned that should be adapted as the new status quo.

On that list is the online availability of government meetings.

During the pandemic, while state, county and municipal governments have been forced to continue providing services and also to limit gatherings, they have instituted virtual meetings to remain open to the public.

That's not a bad thing. It’s made government much more accessible to residents who can sit in their homes and interact with our leaders.

As more and more governmental bodies return to in-person meetings, we urge them to maintain the same technological processes used during the pandemic state of emergency. Virtual meetings, either via Zoom or livestream, as well as call-in opportunities, provide vital public access that residents have come to expect.

Video and audio records of meetings have also become important tools for public availability.

As a sure sign we are returning to normal, for the first time in more than two years, the Delaware Department of Transportation will hold an in-person workshop Tuesday, March 29, to explain details of the New Road-Canary Creek bridge replacement project.

In our coverage area, we commend Milton, Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and Sussex County officials for investing in or upgrading technology, and training employees to adapt to the restrictions placed on them.

The same public access systems availed during the pandemic should become the new normal as we move forward.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Editorials are considered and written by Cape Gazette Editorial Board members, including Publisher Chris Rausch, Editor Jen Ellingsworth, News Editor Nick Roth and reporters Ron MacArthur and Chris Flood. 

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