I Love Rutland targets Covid-19 with safety info

1,000 signs to highlight how to combat virus, stay safe

RUTLAND—I Love Rutland is about to show some love in a new way, producing 1,000 lawn signs to remind county residents to stay vigilant, stay safe, and help each other in the fight to stop the spread of Covid-19.

The double-sided signs will feature safety advice such as “Use Hand Sanitizer And Wipes,” “Practice Social Distancing – Stay One Cow Apart,” and “Wash Your Hands For 20 Seconds.”  Others will offer messages including “Don’t Touch Your Face,” “Protect Our Elderly,” and “Cover Your Cough or Sneeze.”

The campaign is being anonymously funded. Free signs were available for pickup at 9 a.m.  Monday, April 13, at Awesome Graphics on Woodstock Avenue, but they disappeared fast as eager residents stopped by to get one. More are being printed and will be available soon.

“Rutland County residents have done a tremendous job following state and federal guidance, limiting the spread of illness,” said Mike Napolitano, co-founder of I Love Rutland. “This campaign is intended to buttress those efforts, help hold down the virus’ spread, and combat complacency.”

The sign campaign will be supported through the iloverutlandvt Facebook page and will later feature window stickers and vehicle decals.

“I Love Rutland’s focus has always been on the strengths and resilience of the greater-Rutland community, and this aims to build on that,” said Steve Costello, co-founder. “As the impacts of Covid-19 continue to cause hardship, we want to support people and remind them of the importance of staying focused on the things that are helping reduce the impacts, so we can flatten the curve, keep more people healthy, and continue to stay strong as a community.”

People looking for ways to help should also visit the state’s new volunteer web site. The state is calling all Vermonters into service, allowing people to sign up for volunteer assistance to support the state’s response to COVID-19 at: vermont.gov/volunteer which directs those with medical and healthcare skills to the Medical Reserve Corp, and those with other needed skills to a quick registration process to to help.

Mayor Dave Allaire praised Rutland residents for their teamwork to help each other, and he lauded this new effort, saying he will get one of the first signs for his lawn. “Rutland always rallies together when there is a challenge,” Allaire said. “The local response to Covid-19 and this campaign are two more reasons that I love Rutland!”