Too anxious for win?

We can all be glad that the covid-19 case numbers in our state and country are decreasing and that there seems to be a light at some point up the tunnel. I truly hope we are not living the axiom that sometimes a light ahead is an oncoming train. The increasing numbers of vaccinated individuals here and across other countries are encouraging.

But the continued resistance to using masks to prevent coronavirus infections takes away from any anticipation of increasing control of viral spread.

While one member of the last administration advocated a natural “herd immunity” level of resistance as a desirable condition, there is a serious problem with this approach which cannot be ignored. Immunity may come after illness, but illness also brings hospitalizations and deaths, both with significant suffering and expense. It is shortsighted and illogical to chance losing the benefits provided by masks and distancing in favor of hoping for significant immunity to develop through natural infection. Continued spread at any level will increase the occurrence of resistant viral variants, and will increase the time required to control the pandemic.

Distancing and appropriate mask-wearing have been shown to be effective means of slowing the spread of coronavirus, especially in conjunction with vaccination programs, although both have been derided as “theater” by some. We need to employ both as we continue the struggle against covid-19.

DENNIS A. BERRY

Bryant