By Terrell McAlily
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
The Baltimore Board of Estimates held its first virtual meeting Wednesday and City Council President Brandon Scott couldn’t resist preaching about the virtues of following health care professionals’ advice to prevent the spread of the coronavirus that has the world on lockdown.
“We have to take COVID-19 seriously,” said Scott during the virtual board meeting. “I know you are tired of hearing us. You’re tired of hearing the mayor. You’re tired of hearing the governor talk of social distancing. We have to slow down this curb, the spread of COVID-19, and the best way we can do that is follow the advice of public health professionals.”
Scott’s comments came shortly after Gov. Hogan’s press conference where he announced 443 confirmed cases of coronavirus and four deaths to date. President Trump recently said he wants to return the country to regular business operations by Easter.
“Ignore what the president of the United States is saying,” said the 35-year-old Democrat who is running for Baltimore mayor. “Listen to people who actually have your best interest at heart and that are following people who know what they are talking about. We can save lives. Everyone can be a hero by simply staying home and adhere to this advice.”
Scott stressed that the city has compounded problems because of an escalation in gun violence in addition to the pandemic. The city recorded 348 homicides last year, up from 309 the previous year, according to Baltimore police.