Common sense is good defense against the virus
Going to house parties, crowded beaches and big gatherings without wearing masks will send our recovery in a downward spiral.
I’m appalled that people continue to hold house parties during this era of COVID-19. Yes, I miss my friends, too, and I’m tired of staying home, yet I consider being safe and healthy a better option than getting the deadly coronavirus by being foolish. Tennessee and other states are beginning to relax stay-at-home mandates and reopen businesses. People are going back to work. These are understandable moves, for millions have lost their jobs and people are hurting due to the dire economic pounding caused by the coronavirus. Money is tight or nonexistent, and people are resorting to food banks for the first time in their lives. Getting back to business can benefit the economy and, consequently, all of us — but only if we do it in the right manner. “Just because you can go out doesn’t mean you should go out,” Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland recently warned. Unless you have a good reason, continue to stay home. We also should continue to follow good hygiene procedures, wear our masks and keep our distance. There is no reason to go crazy and do foolish things. Of course, for some, senseless actions are not related to loosening of stay-at-home regulations and reopening the economy.
People have been acting foolishly from the beginning of the crisis
Right here in Memphis, people continue to have house parties and backyard barbecue gatherings. A recent Chicago house party was picked up by media across the country and caused many to shake their heads. Police asked the dozens of people packed into a living room, despite the city’s stay-at-home order, to disperse.
This past weekend Chicago police had to break up two other parties. The frustrated mayor threatened “citation and jail time,” and reminded the partygoers they were “bringing death” to their family’s doorstep.
Be reminded, COVID-19 is a devastating disease that affects multiple organs in the body, including the lungs, heart and brain. It is spread through moisture droplets emitted when people talk, laugh, sing, cough, shout and sometimes when they simply breathe hard. Some people who have the virus do not show symptoms but can spread it to others.
Yes, older people and those with compromised immune systems are more susceptible, but young people die from the disease. Babies and children get sick and die from COVID-19.
I’m grateful several of my relatives and close friends have fully recovered from the virus. And I feel deeply for all who suffer the horrible consequences of the disease. That’s why I wish luck to those who pack the parties and crowd the beaches.
Beaches in many states are now open
I’m still bothered by images of young people frolicking on Florida’s beaches during spring break in March. Back then, maybe they just didn’t know how bad COVID-19 can be. But everyone should know now the importance of keeping your distance and using common sense.
That is not the case. California’s governor ordered Orange County beaches to reclose after crowds parked on the sand with no regards for physical distancing. Crowding is taking place on beaches in Florida also. People also are congregating in parks, shopping malls and other public spaces.
The importance of physical distancing as a way to mitigate the spread of the virus is why Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland closed the riverfront when people congregated during those beautiful early days of spring.
Why risk your life and that of others for a sunny day on the waterfront? Or to shop at a mall? Or for a crazy, unproven COVID-19 remedy?
During these strange and challenging times, it seems that some people have lost touch with reality. Or why would anyone take cleaning tablets intended for your fish tank because they contained an ingredient with a name similar to a medication that the president suggested as a good treatment for COVID-19? The wife survived; the husband died.
Common sense should prevail and keep people from ingesting bleach and other disinfectants regardless of who expressed interest in such a possible treatment for COVID-19. For COVID-19 and other medical issues, only follow advice from your doctor and other medical experts.
Even I understand the frustration of some who protest governments to open up cities and states.
But I have difficulty comprehending the senselessness of protesting while not wearing masks.
You don’t know if the person shouting, chanting and carrying a protest sign next to you also is carrying the virus.
Those protesters with guns, nooses, Confederate flags and swastikas but no masks that crowded at Michigan’s Capitol were appalling for numerous reasons — including the health risks.
It baffles me that people are resistant to wearing masks
A store security guard was shot in the head, and an employee at another store was targeted by a customer who wiped his nose on her shirt — all because customers were asked to wear masks. Now the culprits are charged with murder and assault.
Wearing masks during this COVID-19 pandemic is not a political or constitutional issue. It is a health issue — a safeguard for your health, and the health of people around you, including your family.
Tennessee has pledged 5 million free masks to residents. The first batch of 300,000 cloth face masks are now being distributed to health departments in all counties.
Another tight situation where masks are greatly needed is on airplanes. If you are inclined to travel by air (or even train or bus), put on a mask. Some airlines now require employees and passengers to wear masks. Be thankful for that. Media images of a crowded flight with some passengers not wearing masks are disturbing.
Though airlines clean the aircraft between flights, be extra cautious and sanitize your personal space. Also be mindful of doors, counters and other surfaces you touch throughout the airport and boarding process.
As Tennessee continues to reopen, some churches will resume in-person worship services.
Gov. Bill Lee issued an executive order that prevents local officials from restricting the number of people that may gather to worship.
Yet, the governor and Mayor Strickland both encourage religious leaders to continue to meet virtually.
They also advise leaders to use caution, require masks and maintain physical distancing when their congregations begin to gather in person.
On behalf of Memphis Clergy COVID-19 Response network, Dr. Scott Morris, a minister and founder of Church Health, wrote: “God, who created our intellect, expects we will use it. Our first priority as faith leaders is to keep God’s people safe.”
When you return to in-church worship, use your intellect and be blessed while wearing a mask and keeping your distance. Hold off on the hugs and handshakes for now.
“We’re reopening, but the virus is still there,” Dr. Bruce Randolph, health officer for the Shelby County Health Department, said in a briefing on Monday.
A recent White House model predicts that as many as 3,000 people a day will die by early June as the U.S. economy reboots.
It’s up to you to take precautions and use common sense so you will not be a statistic.
Lynn Norment is a Memphis journalist who previously was an editor and senior writer for Ebony magazine. She can be reached at normentmedia@gmail.com.