As I check the COVID-19 case tracker from The New York Times, it’s hard not to feel alarmed. This past week has seen an average of 111,175 daily cases—a staggering 59% increase from just two weeks ago. COVID-19 is on the rise across the United States. Reports indicate that New Mexico is on the verge of running out of general hospital beds “within days,” while ICU beds in the Minnesota Twin Cities area are nearly full. No matter where you live, it’s clear that COVID-19 is surging nationwide.
Yet, my neighbors seem completely indifferent.
I see posts in our neighborhood groups about food truck gatherings still happening in our community. Our local homeschool groups continue to meet up—most without masks, and few following social distancing guidelines. These individuals, who should be informed enough to educate their children, blatantly disregard science and allow their kids to play on playgrounds. Playgrounds where they touch everything. All of this is occurring while COVID-19 continues to spike.
Indifference to the Situation
Don’t even get me started on the local stores. They’ve largely stopped enforcing mask mandates, likely for the safety of their workers who often face backlash from unruly customers. While there are signs mandating masks, I’ve seen people walk by wearing masks only to take them off and pocket them moments later. I find myself having to raise my hand and firmly say “Stop!” to both employees and other shoppers who invade my personal space.
Many don’t wear masks correctly, with some slipping them down under their noses. COVID-19 is on the rise, but they don’t seem to care.
In my state, cases are at the same level they were in July, during the height of the pandemic for us. I often resist the urge to shout, “You are the reason COVID-19 is increasing in this country!”
Not long ago, my husband drove past the local farmer’s market. No one was socially distanced; instead, people were congregating in close quarters. A few wore masks, but many did not. The county hosting the market is one of the hardest-hit by COVID-19.
Halloween Was Unsettling
On Halloween, we made the unfortunate choice to attend a drive-thru trunk-or-treat event at a nearby church. Despite the COVID-19 surge, we were told we could remove our masks while remaining in the car. Really? Did they think the open window of our minivan was an effective barrier?
“Calm down,” my husband said. “We’ll keep our masks on.” He was optimistic that everyone else would do the same.
Except they didn’t. When an unmasked witch handed out candy to my children, I had to bite my tongue to hold back my frustration. A line of cars had formed behind us. If they all removed their masks, they would spread the virus among each other, and I nearly lost my composure. Didn’t they realize COVID-19 was spiking? Did they not care? Were they simply tired of restrictions and choosing to ignore the reality?
Then, during a visit to my mother’s yard, she removed her mask and stood too close to me. “I don’t think I’ll get it,” she said casually.
Dear neighbors, the spike in COVID-19 cases is fueled by attitudes like my mother’s. “I don’t think I’ll get it” is not an acceptable strategy for staying healthy.
Polls Didn’t Help the Situation
When we walked a short distance to vote, the scene outside the polling place was concerning. Many people were without masks or wearing them incorrectly. I witnessed two women shriek and hug each other. My husband gently urged me to remain calm.
COVID-19 is spreading because of these small interactions and gatherings, fueled by the belief that “I don’t think I’ll get it” or “Nancy can’t possibly have it.” The woman checking me in, albeit behind plexiglass, wore a face shield instead of a mask. The CDC specifies that “face shields are not a substitute for masks,” indicating that not enough research supports their efficacy in preventing COVID-19 transmission.
No one was maintaining proper social distancing, and there was a complete lack of effort to do so in a poorly ventilated room where poll workers were confined all day. As the CDC states, COVID-19 can spread even after the infected person has left a space if ventilation is inadequate.
But hey, they had hand sanitizer, right?
COVID-19 Is Surging Because of These ‘Small’ Actions
There’s a common misconception about masks. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Peter Chin-Hong from the University of California—San Francisco explains that while masks primarily protect others from those who may have COVID-19, they still offer benefits to the wearer. COVID-19 is increasing because masks alone aren’t sufficient. We also need to practice social distancing and minimize outings. My neighbors’ actions demonstrate a clear disregard for the seriousness of the situation. Perhaps they are frustrated with restrictions, or maybe they just believe they won’t contract the virus.
Whatever the reason, their choices are endangering everyone else. Their behavior contributes to the COVID-19 spike. If we want to see an end to this pandemic, we must all commit to following guidelines: no face shields, no hugging, consistent mask-wearing, and proper social distancing.
Only then can we hope to bring COVID-19 under control.
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Summary:
This article discusses the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases in the United States and highlights the indifference of some community members to the health crisis. Despite rising infection rates, many individuals continue to gather without masks and social distancing, contributing to the spread of the virus. The piece emphasizes the importance of adhering to health guidelines and the need for collective responsibility to combat COVID-19 effectively.