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This page offers all of Delaware Public Media's ongoing coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak and how it is affecting the First State. Check here regularly for the latest new and information.

Delawareans join nationwide protest to demand financial relief

Delawareans joined a nationwide caravan to demand COVID relief, and to mourn the 250,000 people dead from the virus.

Around 15 families came to downtown Dover Monday afternoon to join with others around the country seeking more coronavirus relief.

Among those gathered was Reyna Bahena Alvarez, a poultry plant worker in Sussex County. Her husband also worked in the poultry industry before dying from COVID-19

She says a big part of this rally is to get politicians to understand what’s happening on the ground level, where many people continue to suffer.

“Yes, I know that there is more need for more communication between them so they can know exactly what we need," sais Alvarez.

Alvarez adds she’s still scared she could be exposed to COVID while working at the poultry plant, claiming not enough safety protocols are in place.

She also joined other members of the protest in calling for an end to gridlock at the federal level, and seeking more from state and federal governments to help lower income people, including undocumented immigrants, during this crisis.

Charito Calvachi-Mateyko organized the Delaware event. She says she’s frustrated with the gridlock in the federal government.

“The legislators need to be serious, they start to see the numbers and they need to understand that we are looking at them," said Calvachi-Mateyko. "And what they do or don’t do historically in this moment is going to be their legacy.”

Calvachi-Mateyko says government inaction is forcing people into poverty.  She adds the lack of additional financial relief creates ripple effects through the economy - such as people unable to pay rent, leaving  landlords unable to afford mortgages.

Her campaign is talking with Gov. John Carney’s administration,  expressing its concerns and seeking  state action to support those who need it most.

Roman Battaglia grew up in Portland, Ore, and now reports for Delaware Public Media as a Report For America corps member. He focuses on politics, elections and legislation activity at the local, county and state levels.
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