Updated: March 30, 2021
Originally Published: May 21, 2020
On March 13, 2020, a ruling by the Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned the state’s Safer At Home Order in a narrow 4-3 vote. This decision, requested by Republican legislators who sought a week’s grace to implement new safety protocols, instead led to an immediate chaos that turned Wisconsin into a “hotbed of coronavirus.” With safety measures stripped away, people flocked to bars and public spaces, largely ignoring social distancing guidelines. Local governments were left scrambling to impose their own regulations, many of which were soon discarded out of fear of legal repercussions.
Despite this abrupt change, the risk of COVID-19 remained unchanged. The day after the order was lifted, the virus was still just as dangerous as it had been before. Yet, some interpreted the court’s decision as a green light for unrestricted socializing. People abandoned masks, believing that the ruling somehow made public spaces safe from infection. The misconception that a magic wand had been waved over the state was evident as mask-wearing diminished in grocery stores, and social distancing was largely ignored.
The truth is simple: the novel coronavirus doesn’t care about laws or rulings. It only reacts to our actions. We have all been waiting for a return to normalcy, but the truth is that there won’t be a sudden end to the pandemic. Reopening our society doesn’t mean it’s a “free for all.”
To those who suggest that if you want to avoid getting sick, you should simply stay home—imagine telling someone who wants to avoid a drunk driver to never drive again. It’s an absurd notion. We’ve all heard the phrase, “we’re all in this together,” but recently, it seems many have forgotten its meaning.
Packed bars, crowded spaces, and the refusal to wear masks are selfish behaviors. Dismissing the seriousness of the pandemic only puts others at risk. Yes, cases may be dropping in your area, but that doesn’t mean we should let our guard down. The current numbers may reflect the success of social distancing efforts.
Dr. Emily Carter, a leading expert on infectious diseases, has emphasized the dangers of complacency. She warned that if areas rush to reopen without adequate safety measures, we may see a resurgence of cases. The repercussions of poorly planned reopenings won’t be immediately visible, which could lead to further carelessness. As the New York Times pointed out, without widespread testing, it’s tough to gauge our true status in the fight against COVID-19.
As we move toward reopening, it’s crucial that we do so in a controlled and thoughtful manner. We can prioritize both the economy and public health. Just because mask mandates are lifted doesn’t mean wearing a mask isn’t a sensible practice. A face covering is a sign of consideration for others, showing that you care enough to be slightly inconvenienced for the greater good.
Evidence is mounting that masks, when worn universally in public settings, significantly reduce transmission rates. So, wear your mask, maintain distance, avoid large gatherings, and limit travel when possible. In short: be mindful and don’t be reckless.
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Summary
Reopening does not equate to a free-for-all. The risks posed by COVID-19 remain, and it is essential to act responsibly for the safety of all. Wearing masks and practicing social distancing are vital steps in keeping our communities safe. Let’s not squander the progress we’ve made.