Editorial: Instead of being complacent, be responsible and do your part during the pandemic

A few months ago, I thought I wouldn’t have to write about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that’s plaguing our entire world. With cases going down, it looked like we would buck the trend and prove to each other that we could handle the responsibility of being socially distanced and taking precautions.

I was wrong.

The uptick in the number of cases isn’t just about additional testing or reports that are trickling in. It’s a straightforward fact that there are some people who just want to prove that they are superior and far above safety measures that have been recommended. Note, I said “some” people.

A person’s pride usually leads to their downfall. Unfortunately, the coronavirus is more than leading to an individual’s downfall; it’s leading to others as well.

I’m tired of hearing about the pandemic. I’m tired of wearing a mask. But I do it because I am responsible and care about others. I take precautions in everything I do. When I am in a position of leadership, I make sure to build a safe environment for others to follow so they can feel comfortable as well.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of naysayers who don’t believe the virus exists. There are those who continue to have gatherings without the proper measures. When you look at the news, you see events where people are not wearing masks at weddings, rallies, political events, sporting events, and parties. You may not think it’s a big deal, but if one person doesn’t do it, then somebody else will be inclined not to do it as well.

And what is the result of this? Many states are returning back into some form of lockdown, reinstating restrictions to prevent the spread of a virus that I believe honestly will be around for the long haul.

The sad thing about this is that those who were abiding by the rules and following every method of precaution, prevention, and mitigation are being punished by those who refused to remain compliant with the recommendations. It’s like when I was growing up and it was time for recess in school.
However, there was always that one kid that kept talking in class when the teacher asked them to be quiet that took away play time for the other students. That is how I view the actions of these people who choose not to comply when there are strong possibilities that they may have the virus or have been in contact with someone with the virus. The actions of so few have cost people their jobs, livelihoods, and in some cases, lives.

There is a way to return to life responsibly without these restrictions in place. But as adults, we have to do our parts and lead by example. To the teenagers and youth, you must also mature at a rapid age if you want to hang out with your friends, attend parties, and participate in activities without having to think it could be your last.

With America so divided on everything else, it’s time for us to unite. I’m not saying go into a nationwide lockdown. I’m saying unite to the point where we can all follow the simple facts to show that we care for each other. Don’t say, “It won’t happen to me.”

Nobody knows the future with the exception that we must all die one day. But until then, don’t live in vain and sacrifice somebody else’s life so that you can live, knowing that you have the opportunity to keep them going as well.