Love thy neighbor?

As a 65-year-old cancer survivor and recent retiree, I find my life turned upside-down by the COVID-19 virus. Grocery shopping and day-to-day living has been infused with new requirements to wipe down anything that can possibly carry the virus into our home. Social distancing and “stay at home” requirements make it difficult to stay connected with aging parents and grandchildren.

But I understand why the restrictions are in place. We know that any person — symptomatic or not — can spread the virus, and there is no cure or vaccination available in the near future. I started sewing masks, understanding that, while it may not necessarily protect me, if everyone in public shared spaces wears a mask, it can significantly lessen the chance of virus spread. I felt like I was “doing my patriotic bit” joining with the rest of the country to keep this pandemic in check.

Imagine my surprise when I saw Mike Pence in the Mayo Clinic COVID-19 ward without a mask, after being specifically notified of the face mask requirement.

It feels like a slap in the face to those of us who really want us to get through this pandemic with minimal deaths and economic long-term disruption. What part of “Love thy neighbor as thyself” does this reflect? It appears that this is irresponsibly modeling the behavior reflected in protesters of the “Stay at Home” orders. Those protesters do not have the advantage of daily COVID-19 tests to ensure their safety as well as the safety of those they contact.

Colleen Robisch

Otis Orchards