If you check the COVID-19 case tracker by The New York Times, you might want to brace yourself. Over the past week, we’ve seen an alarming average of 111,175 new cases each day, marking a staggering 59% increase from just two weeks ago. COVID-19 is on the rise across the United States. According to Politico, New Mexico is on the verge of running out of hospital beds, and in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, ICU beds are nearly at capacity. No matter where you are, COVID-19 is surging.
Yet, my neighbors don’t seem to care.
I can’t help but notice their posts about food truck meet-ups still happening in our community. Our homeschool groups continue to gather—most without masks and hardly any observing social distancing. These are people who should know better, who are educating their children, yet they disregard scientific guidelines and let their kids play on equipment that’s been touched by countless others—all while COVID-19 cases are on the rise.
They Don’t Seem Concerned About COVID-19
Don’t even get me started on the local shops. They’ve essentially stopped enforcing mask rules, likely to protect their employees from confrontations with unruly customers. There’s a mask mandate posted, but I often see people walking past the sign wearing their masks only to remove them and stash them away. I find myself having to raise my hand and firmly say “Stop!” to both employees and fellow shoppers who invade my space.
Half of them have their masks pulled down under their noses, completely missing the point. COVID-19 is increasing, and they seem unfazed.
In fact, cases in my state are now at levels we saw in July, during the peak of the pandemic.
I sometimes feel the urge to shout, “You are contributing to the rise of COVID-19 in this country!”
Just the other day, my partner drove past the local farmer’s market. Instead of practicing social distancing, people were clustered together, some wearing masks, but many were not. The county hosting the market is among the hardest hit by COVID-19.
Halloween Was Chaotic
On Halloween, we mistakenly thought a drive-thru trunk-or-treat event at a nearby church would be safe. To our disbelief, upon arrival, we were told we could remove our masks while sitting in the car. What? Did they think the virus wouldn’t reach us through an open window?
My partner tried to reassure me, suggesting we keep our masks on, and that others would do the same. They didn’t. When an unmasked witch handed out candy to my kids, I had to bite my tongue to keep from screaming. Cars were lined up behind us, and I couldn’t help but think that if everyone took off their masks, they’d be exchanging breaths with each other. Didn’t they know COVID-19 was spiking? Did they care? Had they just grown tired of the precautions?
Then, my mother removed her mask during a visit in her yard, closing the distance between us. I felt like my head might explode. “I don’t think I’ll get it,” she casually remarked.
Dear neighbors, COVID-19 is spreading because many of you think like my mom. “I don’t think I’ll get it” is not an effective strategy for avoiding a virus.
The Polls Were No Better
We walked a short distance to vote, where maskless individuals mingled, and those with masks wore them incorrectly—either under their chins or exposing their noses. Two women let out squeals of excitement and hugged each other. My partner placed a hand on my arm and urged me to stay calm.
COVID-19 is rising due to these small interactions, these casual gatherings, and the mindset of “I don’t think I’ll get it” or “so-and-so couldn’t possibly have it.”
The woman who checked me in was behind a plexiglass barrier, yet she wore a face shield without a mask. The CDC clearly states that face shields should not replace masks. COVID-19 is spreading due to individuals like this poll worker, who believed a face shield would suffice for all-day exposure to the public.
No one was practicing proper social distancing, nor did they make any effort to do so. This took place in a poorly ventilated room, with people continuously coming and going. As the CDC states, the virus can spread even after an infected individual leaves a six-foot radius if ventilation is inadequate.
But hey, they had hand sanitizer.
COVID-19 Is Rising Because of These ‘Little’ Actions
There’s a common misunderstanding about masks. As infectious disease specialist Peter Chin-Hong, MD, explained, wearing a mask primarily protects others from those who may be infected, but it also provides some protection for the wearer.
COVID-19 is increasing because masks alone are not enough; social distancing and limiting outings are equally critical. My neighbors have demonstrated through their actions that they don’t take the current situation seriously. Perhaps they are tired of restrictions, or maybe they never cared in the first place. Regardless, their choices are endangering everyone around them.
If we want to see an end to this pandemic, everyone must follow guidelines: no face shields, no hugging, wearing masks consistently, and maintaining proper social distancing. Only then can we hope to get COVID-19 under control.
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Summary:
As COVID-19 cases rise sharply in the U.S., many individuals, including my neighbors, seem indifferent to safety protocols. Despite alarming statistics and local hospital capacities nearing their limits, gatherings continue without adherence to mask-wearing or social distancing. This careless attitude, evidenced by interactions at public events and even voting sites, contributes to the ongoing spike in infections. For us to mitigate the spread of the virus, it’s critical for everyone to follow established health guidelines consistently.
Keyphrase: COVID-19 is Rising
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