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Long Beach Mayor Holds Moment Of Silence For Lives Lost To COVID-19, Including His Own Parents

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Today marks one year since Long Beach reported its first COVID-19 death. The city also hit another sobering milestone, as its death toll from the virus has now surpassed 900.

Mayor Robert Garcia led a moment of silence this afternoon, and offered condolences to the families of those lost. And for him, it's personal — his own mother and stepfather both died from COVID-19 complications last August:

"As a city, we mourn with you, we pray with you, we support you. And I personally, of course, understand how deep of a loss it is to lose family in this way. My family stands with every single family that has lost somebody."

Several city landmarks, including the Gerald Desmond Replacement Bridge and the Long Beach Airport, will be lit up with white lights tonight to honor all those who have died from COVID-19.
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Health officials also announced they've recorded the city's first confirmed case of the more contagious UK variant. There are at least 47 cases across Los Angeles County.

You can watch the full update/memorial above.

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