We must believe doctors and scientists about COVID-19

In the midst of a global pandemic, where people are falling ill and dying, where economic activity has been suppressed and normal social gatherings have been discouraged to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, where doctors and scientists have begged people to wear masks and keep a safe distance from others, there are still people who do not believe the coronavirus is real, contagious and deadly.

Even some who acknowledge the existence of the virus may believe it is only dangerous to the elderly or people with underlying health conditions. Instead, they see a conspiracy by Democrats to discredit Donald Trump.

What scares me is that these people will dismiss the words of doctors and scientists because Trump tells them to do this. As the father of a physician, I know how much work goes into becoming a doctor. I know the desire to care for the sick and disabled is a strong motivator to make it through medical school and to keep up with advances in knowledge.

How so many people can disregard the words of dedicated scientists and doctors who know what they are talking about, and instead believe someone who has no medical training, is beyond comprehension.

Daniel Gasda

Bethlehem