Please, be smart.

When we all don’t do our part to prevent its spread, it is easy to understand how the coronavirus is infecting so many people at such a rapid pace. Even though this topic is dominating our news media with constant reminders to practice basic hygiene habits in order to minimize our risk of infection, it’s obvious to me why the coronavirus is going to stay with us for a while.

In just the past two days this week, I observed: (1) a mother and her young son walk out of a public bathroom stall and then leave the restroom without washing their hands, (2) a group of people at a community center shake each other’s hands and then proceed to touch their phones, door handles and other communal surfaces, (3) a man at the grocery store coughing without making any effort to cover his mouth while he perused the meat department, and nearby, (4) a young lady who blew her nose into a tissue just before she handled some produce.

Coronavirus is going to continue to persist unless everyone realizes we are all dependent on each other and that each of us must take responsibility for making good personal health choices. Please practice smart hygiene methods and remember that with the rapid spread of coronavirus, if you choose to take unnecessary risks during this outbreak and contract the virus, your unilateral decision might result in dire consequences beyond yourself, including your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

Robyn Cole

Rathdrum