The Superior Express -

As the Pandemic reaches closer to home, it seems many of us are just over it. We have heard for months now to stay home, social distance, wear a mask - “the new normal.” It’s become a regular thing to show up to the bank looking like a robber. I can hardly recognize anyone these days with their faces covered and bundled up against the cold. I remember early on wearing a mask into the store and being mocked by the cashier.

Late last winter-early spring, I stocked the pantry and the medicine cabinet, preparing for the worst. All that got me was an overfilled kitchen with no place to store anything. Honestly, the only shortage has been toilet paper and cleaning supplies. Apparently, some folks don’t know how to prepare for a long winter. There was a brief time where we had a lack of meat. But there was never a shortage of meat, just a lack of those who could process it. Many have said that this Pandemic is a hoax, made up by political parties to incite fear and violence among the population. I don’t know about all that, but it has sure worked out well if that was the intent.

At the beginning of this crazy mess, we here in the Midwest could only rely on what we heard from the news media. In the bigger cities, the virus spread like wildfire, mainly because of overcrowding. Also, not much was known about the virus, and before they knew it, they all had it. We still don’t know everything we need to know. I have heard and read so many things about COVID that are contradictory that it makes my head spin.

The point is we still know nothing of this virus. Some folks have mild symptoms. Some are severe. My acquaintances who have been infected told me that their symptoms ranged from headaches and fevers to flu-like symptoms, fatigue, body aches, coughing, sore throat, weakness, shortness of breath and many other symptoms. None of them having the same symptoms, even within the same household they vary. Folks have had lasting effects such as fatigue and damage to their lungs. With that said, I may have already had it. Honestly, I wouldn’t know. I have allergy symptoms all year long. I’m a smoker; I don’t stay home, I can’t. My husband was traveling a lot for work in the beginning of the Pandemic. Have I always worn a mask? No. Do I now? No, but I do when I’m asked too. I also do my best to avoid the crowds, but let’s face it, it’s not always easy.

Are my civil liberties being taken from me because I’m wearing a mask? No! I will wear the mask because I care about the community I live in. If a store owner asks me to wear a mask, I do. If that makes them feel safe and protected so they continue to keep the doors open, I will. I do it so that I can continue to get the things I need for my family. I wear a mask out of courtesy to others. If wearing a mask helps someone feel more comfortable, why not wear it. Will it protect me? Probably not, but if I am unknowingly carrying the virus, it may protect someone else. It’s a virus, and it will run its course. We will all likely have it at some point. That’s the way of things. The idea of wearing the mask and socially distancing is to slow down the infection rate.

I get it. The restrictions make no sense what so ever. You can go out to eat, but you have to wear a mask until you are seated. You can’t order a beer, unless your ordering food, but appetizers don’t count. You can protest and riot and not wear a mask, but can’t get together in groups of more than 10, or whatever it is now. I don’t even check what the restrictions are anymore. It’s ridiculous, and out of control especially in the more populated areas. For the first time in my life, I am so thankful to live out in the sticks.

I understand the need for social distancing and for some folks to stay home. According to the internet, we have a population of 4,329 people in Nuckolls County. According to the CDC, right now, 214 people in our county have been diagnosed with COVID-19. That doesn’t seem too high in comparison with the population, but suppose some of those folks need medical attention. Nuckolls County does not have enough medical professionals or hospital beds to handle all the COVID cases, and regular daily medical needs. So say the hospital is at full capacity, and someone has a heart attack or a car accident. Where are will they go for help? Nowhere! You know why? Because the other area hospitals are also at full capacity.

So wear the mask when asked to, social distance, wash your hands. Don’t wear the mask because the government told you to! Wear it because the guy at the hardware store, who you’ve known since you were knee-high to a grasshopper, asked you to. Get a mask that says, I hate wearing a mask, or whatever helps you get the point across. This virus is very real. For some who are infected, it’s a mild inconvenience. For others, it is literally life or death. COVID has touched my family in the worst way possible, so believe me, I know. There are no right answers to this problem. Just do your best to be understanding. Everyone is dealing with this in their own way. We will get through this Pandemic if we are courteous and patient with each other.