Thank you for caring

This is a “Thank you” message to all those shopkeepers, cashiers, food producers, delivery persons, health-care workers, et al., who wear face masks when in public; and to all those who practice social-distancing when possible and appropriate.

The first — and primary — purpose of a mask is to protect others from the respiration droplets of the wearer. Since it is unknown who is a carrier of the virus (even if they show no symptoms), the mask keeps any potential virus from spreading to others. Hence the slogan “My mask protects you. Your mask protects me.” Like everyone driving on the right side of the road, perhaps it may seem a restrictive “rule”; however, its purpose is to increase the safety of ALL drivers. Implementation of this rule has saved countless lives. Those wearing masks, and social-distancing are demonstrating individual responsibility in caring about the health and safety of others.

For those unfamiliar with the historic story of “Typhoid Mary,” she infected many with the deadly typhoid fever, causing sickness and death. Even after it was confirmed that she was “full” of the typhoid bacterium, she refused to accept that fact! Never experiencing symptoms herself, she continued infecting others, until she was actually confined.

Like typhoid, COVID-19 has been shown to have been spread by “carriers” who have no symptoms. In just 3 months, COVID-19 has now killed over 118,000 Americans. A sincere “Thank you” to all those who are demonstrating their respect for others by wearing a mask to keep their germs confined to themselves.

Holly Ann O’Connell

Colville