As I check the COVID-19 case tracker from The New York Times, the numbers are alarming. This past week has seen an average of 111,175 new cases daily, a staggering increase of 59% from just two weeks ago. The situation is dire across the United States, with reports indicating that New Mexico may soon run out of hospital beds, while ICU facilities in the Minnesota Twin Cities are at 98% capacity. Regardless of where you are, it’s evident that COVID-19 is surging nationwide.
Yet, my neighbors seem completely unfazed. They’ve been posting in local groups about food truck meet-ups still occurring in our neighborhood, and our homeschool gatherings continue—many without masks and almost none adhering to social distancing. It’s baffling that those who are educated enough to teach their children are ignoring scientific guidance, allowing their kids to play on equipment that’s been touched by countless others.
They Appear Unconcerned About the Rising Cases
Don’t even get me started on my local stores. They’ve stopped enforcing mask mandates, likely to protect their staff from confrontations with those who refuse to comply. While there are signs indicating the mask requirement, many customers walk in wearing masks only to remove them the moment they’re inside. I often find myself having to raise my hand and firmly tell people to back away when they get too close for comfort.
In my state, COVID-19 cases are at levels comparable to the peak of the pandemic last July. I resist the urge to shout, “You are the reason COVID-19 is rising in this country!”
Recently, my husband drove past a local farmer’s market where social distancing was nonexistent. Crowds gathered with some wearing masks, but many others did not bother. The county hosting this market is among the worst affected by COVID-19.
Halloween Was Chaotic
On Halloween, we made the poor decision to attend a drive-thru trunk-or-treat at a nearby church. Despite the rise in cases, we were told we could remove our masks while remaining in the car. Seriously? Does the virus recognize the open window of my minivan as an effective barrier? My husband suggested we keep our masks on, assuming everyone else would, too.
But they didn’t. When an unmasked kid in a Gryffindor costume handed out candy to my children, I had to bite my tongue to avoid screaming. With a line of cars behind us, the thought of everyone removing their masks and breathing on one another sent me over the edge. Didn’t they realize COVID-19 is rising? Were they simply tired of the restrictions and choosing ignorance?
Then, during a visit to my mother’s yard, she took off her mask without keeping any distance. “I don’t think I’ll get it,” she told me, and I nearly lost it.
Dear neighbors, the rise in COVID-19 cases is because many of you share my mother’s mindset. “I don’t think I’ll get it” is not an effective strategy for preventing the virus from spreading.
The Polling Place Was No Better
When we walked to vote, we encountered maskless individuals or those with masks hanging under their chins. Two women were hugging and shrieking without a care in the world. My husband urged me to just ignore it.
COVID-19 is surging because of these seemingly harmless interactions and gatherings. The woman who checked me in at the polling station wore a face shield with no mask, despite the CDC stating that face shields should not replace masks. Proper ventilation was absent in that enclosed space, and social distancing was ignored. But hey, they had hand sanitizer!
The Little Things Matter in COVID-19 Prevention
There’s a common misconception about masks. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong from the University of California—San Francisco explains that while masks are primarily intended to protect others from those who have COVID-19, they still offer some protection to the wearer as well. However, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise, it’s clear that just wearing masks isn’t enough. Maintaining distance and limiting outings are equally essential.
My neighbors’ actions show they are indifferent to the ongoing pandemic. Perhaps they’re tired of the restrictions or simply believe they won’t contract the virus. Regardless, their choices are putting everyone at greater risk. To combat the rise in cases, we must all follow guidelines: no face shields, no hugs, and consistent mask-wearing. Only then can we hope to regain control over COVID-19.
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Summary:
The rise in COVID-19 cases is alarming, with many individuals in my community showing a blatant disregard for safety measures. As people continue to gather without masks or social distancing, the risk of transmission increases significantly. Adhering to guidelines is crucial to controlling the spread of the virus.
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