Take a moment to check the COVID-19 case tracker from The New York Times, and prepare to be alarmed. The last week has seen an average of 111,175 new cases daily, marking a staggering 59% increase from just two weeks ago. COVID-19 is on the rise across the United States. Reports indicate that New Mexico may soon run out of general hospital beds, and in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, ICU bed occupancy is at a staggering 98%. No matter where you look, COVID-19 is surging nationwide.
Yet my neighbors seem completely unconcerned. In local social media groups, they discuss food truck events in our neighborhood without a hint of worry. Our homeschooling groups continue to gather—most without masks and hardly any observing social distancing. It’s baffling that these individuals, who are entrusted with educating their children, disregard scientific guidelines while allowing their kids to play in public spaces that are likely contaminated.
This indifference extends to local businesses as well. Many stores have ceased enforcing mask mandates, likely out of fear for their employees who would face backlash from irate customers. Although signs instruct customers to wear masks, I often see people stroll past them, remove their masks, and stuff them into their pockets. I’ve had to raise my hand and firmly say “Stop!” to both employees and shoppers who try to get too close to me. Half the time, people have their masks hanging below their noses. COVID-19 is surging, and they simply don’t care.
In my state, case numbers are at the same alarming level as they were in July, during the peak of the pandemic. I resist the urge to scream, “You are the reason COVID-19 is on the rise!”
Recently, my husband passed by a local farmer’s market, where social distancing was nonexistent. People were milling about, some wearing masks but many not. The area where the market is located is among the hardest hit for COVID-19.
Halloween was equally unsettling. We mistakenly attended a drive-thru trunk-or-treat at a nearby church. Despite the COVID-19 surge, we were told we could remove our masks while remaining in our car. Really? Do they think the virus recognizes the open window of my minivan as a barrier? My husband urged calm and insisted we keep our masks on. I naively thought others might do the same.
Unfortunately, that was not the case. When an unmasked “Harry Potter” character handed out candy to my kids, I felt a surge of frustration. A line of cars had formed behind us, and if everyone removed their masks, they’d be exchanging breaths right in front of that poor girl. Didn’t they know about the COVID-19 spike? Were they so overwhelmed by restrictions that they were choosing ignorance?
Then came the moment when my mother took off her mask during a visit to her yard, getting too close for comfort. “I don’t think I’ll get it,” she said, and I wanted to scream.
Dear neighbors, COVID-19 is spreading because so many share this mindset. “I don’t think I’ll get it” isn’t a sound strategy for avoiding a virus.
We walked just a short distance to vote, and outside the polling place, I saw numerous individuals without masks, or masks worn incorrectly. Two women were shrieking and hugging. My husband placed a hand on my arm, urging me to stay calm.
COVID-19 is surging due to these small interactions and the pervasive belief that “I won’t get it.”
The woman checking me in, albeit from behind plexiglass, wore a face shield without a mask. As the CDC states, “the CDC does not currently recommend use of face shields as a substitute for masks.” This is because insufficient testing has been conducted to determine that face shields can effectively prevent virus transmission.
The atmosphere within the polling location lacked proper social distancing, with no open windows or adequate ventilation. The risk of virus spread is elevated in such conditions. But don’t worry; they had hand sanitizer.
These “little” behaviors contribute to the spike. Infectious disease expert Dr. Peter Chin-Hong from the University of California—San Francisco noted that while masks are vital in preventing the spread of COVID-19, they must be coupled with social distancing and limited social interactions. My neighbors’ actions reflect a clear disregard for the rising COVID-19 cases. Perhaps they are fatigued by restrictions or simply don’t believe they’ll contract the virus. Whatever the reason, their choices put everyone at risk.
To mitigate the pandemic, adherence to guidelines is essential: no face shields, no hugging, and wearing masks consistently. Only then can we hope to gain control over COVID-19.
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Summary:
The article highlights the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases and the apparent indifference of many individuals towards safety guidelines. Despite increasing numbers, gatherings continue without proper precautions. The narrative expresses frustration over community behavior, emphasizing the need for adherence to safety protocols to combat the pandemic.