Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler issued some words of encouragement and praised residents for remaining patient during Governor Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home Stay Healthy” order to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

“During these times, I want to recognize the commitment and spirit of our citizens in helping to slow the spread of the coronavirus in our community,” Wheeler said in his statement issued Thursday.

“Over the past several weeks, I have been encouraged by the steps residents and businesses have taken to keep the virus at bay. I also wish to thank the many people that are providing emergency and health care, groceries, medicine, and other essential services to serve our city. These times have not been seen in over a century, and together we have answered the call for action. This is our all-hands-on-deck moment.

“As we move forward, I urge you to stay vigilant and continue practicing social distancing. Signs point to a slowing of positive new cases due to the collective efforts of Bremertonians to limit the wave of infections. What we are doing is having an impact, but we must continue to act to reduce the spread of the virus.

“We have gotten through difficult periods in the past, and I encourage patience, tolerance and respect for one another as we face the pandemic that is now in our city. We are a strong community, and we will get through this together.”