:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/GX6JEKTV5ETQB3RGDQ5IJWGGOI.jpg)
To the Editor:
A mask is not attractive. A mask is not a cure-all. A mask is not a political statement. It’s a nuisance. Sometimes, it’s hard to remember to wear one. Not everyone wears them correctly, snugly covering nose and mouth.
But along with hand washing, it is one of the few things we can do to keep from getting infected with the COVID-19 virus.
Wearing my mask protects me and everyone I meet. Any of us may have been exposed and may or may not be symptomatic. We might test positive today or tomorrow. My mask will help protect you. And yours will help protect me.
Wearing a mask is not a matter of our freedoms, or our rights, or our simple belief that only other people will catch the virus. Right now, with cases skyrocketing again, it truly is a matter of life or death. We need to stop the spread.
We need to do this, now! Do it so the doctors and nurses on the COVID-19 ward don’t burn out from working long shifts, holding the hands of the dying, and zipping up body bags. Do it so there are ICU beds available for the next accident, stroke or heart attack victims. Do it so this terrible virus gets stopped in its tracks.
Do it because you’re smart. Do it because you know your actions can make a difference, a big difference. You don’t need a mayor, or a governor, or even a president to “mandate” mask wearing. You know it’s the right thing to do, for yourself and everyone you contact in your daily life. Please, wear that homely little mask to make that big difference. Do it so we can find “normal” again.
Judy Moore
McHenry