A Bridgeport woman who got COVID-19 and also lost her mom to the virus is urging people not to let their guard down.

Salandra Grace says the coronavirus hit four family members. She survived, along with her brother and another relative. Her 82-year-old mother Georgia Grace did not.

The 54-year-old says her mom died at the end of March, but they are only just now planning her funeral as places begin to reopen across the state.

Salandra Grace says people should not let their guard down because they do not want to be in her family's situation, wondering who got the virus first.

Mayor Joe Ganim met with Salandra Grace Thursday and used her story as part of a message about public safety. He urged residents to wear masks and wash their hands frequently.

"You're protecting the person you're coming in contact with, that they won't give it to somebody else, and so on and so on down the line," said Salandra Grace.

City officials are urging the public to take advantage of free testing.