Dear Editor,
There are a few facts to present before I give my opinion about wearing masks.
First, we have COVID-19 cases in Alleghany County, and the numbers are increasing.
Next, there is no vaccine to prevent infection, nor is there any effective treatment to give infected people. The only defense we have is trying to keep ourselves from getting infected.
As we know more about this virus, we understand that the major way it’s transmitted is through the air.
We know that wearing a mask will decrease the chance of spreading the virus to others.
Finally, infected people will not always be symptomatic, so any person you meet may be infectious, whether they know it or not.
So, here’s my personal approach to wearing a mask, and what you might think about your own approach.
I wear a mask to keep my breath from infecting you — pretty simple.
If you do not wear a mask, you should ask yourself two questions.
First, if you infect someone who carries the virus home to his or her family, with a possible severe illness or death resulting, will you be able to bear the guilt for infecting them?
Second, if a friend or co-worker, not wearing a mask, infects you and you carry the virus home to your family, will you regret not taking the simple step of asking your social and workplace contacts to wear a mask or stay 10 feet away from you?
Again, pretty simple questions.
I don’t believe anyone in our county would knowingly try to infect anyone.
However, I keep my focus sharp and clear.
I’m pushing 80, so my risk of dying from the virus is pretty high, but people of all ages are at some risk of death.
When I see someone, without a mask, approaching me, I have good reason to be afraid of that person.
I will do the simple things, like keeping my distance, to keep that person from killing me.
David Crandall
McCormick Blvd.,Clifton Forge
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