VIRUS: How serious is it?

March 25 total U.S. cases: 55,148

Less than 1 month later, April 17: 678,144

March 25 U.S. deaths: 797

April 17 U.S. deaths: 34,641.

The increases are staggering. We are not immune, in more than one sense. Some people are not worried about being sick or dying and feel it is their choice. The problem with that thinking is going out unprotected, or in groups, takes away someone else’s choice to stay well.

Some think that we are small, our cases are few, we don’t have to worry. Again, that thinking can cause complacency and being complicit in spreading the virus. We can mitigate the spread if we stay home more, only going out if really necessary, avoiding large groups and covering our faces. The data supports that reasoning.

Be kind to our health workers and service workers, consider others, make the right choices. Take care. Howl at 8 p.m. outside if you agree.

G.D. HAGLER

Coeur d’Alene