SCIENCE: Heed it, save lives

Medical scientists at Washington University, Johns Hopkins University and the Centers for Diseases Control issued a statement saying that if all citizens would wear masks and practice distancing when entering public facilities or retail markets and continue to do so for the next 90 days that 100,000 lives could be saved. Yet, 30% to 35% of Americans refuse to listen to the scientists.

Their refusal to heed the warning could overload our emergency medical facilities. Our hospitals are paying the price for this macho attitude. Doctors, nurses and their aides are working 12- to 16-hour shifts to control the virus. These dedicated people may be wondering why they put their health in jeopardy for people who don’t give a damn about their medical careers or lives.

Kootenai County is blessed with some very qualified medical personnel; don’t drive them away. Refusing to wear a mask is a very selfish act. It only takes a few seconds to slip one on and those you meet will appreciate the effort you made to protect them.

LEONARD BRANT

Post Falls