COVID: Faces, not numbers

1,386 — Remember that number. That is how many people died in a SINGLE DAY in the U.S. last week from COVID-19.

That number is made up from Mothers, Fathers, Son’s, Daughters, Brother, Sisters, Grandmothers, Grandfathers and good friends. They will never be held, kissed, told “I Love You” by anyone EVER. They died alone, no loved ones around them. They will be prayed for, cried over, and remembered by the ones left behind.

Just how many could have been saved if somebody that was asymptomatic had worn a mask but refused to because it was interfering with their rights? I don’t know. I know that there are lots of misguided people in our area that really don’t take this as seriously as they should.

Even some of our religious leaders that are fighting the wearing of masks should go back and read the scripture again especially Jesus’ admonition “Love thy neighbor as yourself.” If we really cared about our fellow man, we would tolerate the inconvenience of wearing a mask to possibly protect others.

I truly hope that none of us will lose a loved one to COVID-19, but I don’t think that is likely the way things are going. By the way, for those who don’t understand — the mask is designed to protect others and not the wearer. However, there is some evidence that the mask does provide some protection to the wearer.

DENNIS EDELBROCK

Hayden