Stop the spread, wear a mask to protect yourself and others

The news on the COVID-19 front is not encouraging. We have been dealing with this virus since March 15 when the governor first issued the “Stay Healthy Order.”
 During that eight-month period, Washington County has had 603 confirmed and probable cases. In just the last month there have been 188 new cases or a nearly one-third increase.
 As of this writing, we are averaging nine new cases a day – and rising. Just over the weekend there were 24 new cases.
 The chart below shows the increase in the number of cases since October 16 when our numbers began increasing dramatically.
 Nationally, there have been an estimated 11,110,443 cases with 245,811 deaths. This is a death rate of 2.21 percent. A typical flu season has an estimated death rate of 0.30 percent. Right now, there are over 1,000 people a day dying from this disease. This number does not appear to be going down anytime soon as temperatures lower and people move indoors.
 Locally, there have been nine people who have died from this terrible virus. This is too many of our community to have died in this manner. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those among us who have lost family members or friends.
 As most of you are already aware, due to the rapid spread of the virus, which is not only here, but throughout the state, the governor has moved his “Stay Healthy Order” back into a modified version of the Stage 2 category.
 The main item in this order is for group gatherings to be limited to 10 people. The order also highly recommends masks be worn in public and people take personal responsibility in limiting the spread.
  The reliable epidemiologists all agree that the most effective way to deal with this virus is to wear a mask in public to protect yourself and to protect those with whom you come into contact.
 I know there are those who oppose masks because it is seen as a limit on personal freedom. I understand the desire to be free. Freedom is one of the foundations of our democracy.
 But there are other factors involved in maintaining a democracy. John Adams, the second U.S. president and one of the primary architects of the Constitution, said that a democracy could exist only in a virtuous society.
 Virtuous behavior sometimes says there are more important things to consider than personal wants and needs. During this time of pandemic, when more than 1 in 50 people contracting the disease dies, consideration for each other becomes essential. Wearing a mask in public seems like a small price to pay to reduce the pain and suffering of others and possibly yourself.  
 I am as tired of dealing with COVID-19 and the restrictions and responsibilities as anyone. I want to feel comfortable going and doing whatever, whenever, and wherever. Cathy and I love to travel and be with family.
 But the reality is that this virus will continue to plague us until a vaccine is developed and distributed that can limit its spread. In the meantime, we can wear masks, physically distance ourselves from others, and take personal responsibility to limit its spread. Only when we take personal responsibility will it be unnecessary to have our gatherings limited by the governor’s orders.