To the editor:
Some people question the wisdom of shutting down the economy, social distancing and wearing face masks to halt the spread of the virus. Some claim an unnecessary burden and infringement of personal freedom.
Let’s take a look at what happens when these measures are not followed.
In Washington, 60 members of a choir decided to ignore warnings and practice. Three weeks later, 45 were diagnosed with COVID-19 or ill with the symptoms, at least three have been hospitalized, and two are dead.
Pastor Gerald O. Glenn, 66, the bishop and founder of New Deliverance Evangelistic Church in Chesterfield, Va., died from the virus. He insisted on conducting services without protections.
Forty-three members of a church in Illinois tested positive after attending a church function, as well as 71 members of Sacramento church including the pastor.
The president of Brazil has done what some here are promoting: urged people to go back to work early and attend rallies and public events, largely downplaying the seriousness of the virus. Brazil has the highest infection rate of 54 countries studied and the second-highest number of deaths, second only to the United states. The situation is so dire that Trump has restricted travel to and from Brazil.
The spread can be slowed if everyone would just wear a mask.
According to a recent British study, the widespread wearing of face masks — even homemade ones — could go a long way toward reducing coronavirus transmission rates and might help control a second wave of the virus. The study found that if people wear masks whenever they are in public, it is twice as effective at reducing the spread of the disease than if masks are only worn after symptoms appear.
The inescapable conclusion is that preventive measures do work to save lives.
Please, out of respect and concern for fellow Americans, wear a mask, social distance, and self-quarantine when symptoms occur. When deciding whether to wear a mask, consider you may be saving the life of a neighbor or friend.
Loving your neighbor demands no less.
Denny Kubal, Brown County
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