The war against COVID

To the Editor:

It is time for all of us to stand up and be responsible, this COVID-19 is kicking our ass.

We are doing good, but still too many times we are seeing both merchants and customers not wearing life saving masks.

In Tuolumne County, on Thursday, 55 more cases were reported. We are up to eight deaths.

In California, we have recorded over one million cases.

And nationally, we have recorded a quarter of a million deaths from the COVID-19/ORANGE Plague. (That's every man, woman and child in Mariposa, Calaveras, Amador, Tuolumne counties, and half of El Dorado County)

If we continue as we are, this disease will claim more American lives than we lost in World War II. We will have over 440,000 dead Americans by around Valentines Day, 2021.

We did get a break when we dumped the super spreader on Election Day. Hopefully, no more `super spreader' rallies.

We elected an intelligent, honest, and caring leader. What was the first thing President-elect Joe Biden did? He announced the formation of a group of 15 healthcare professionals to head up our National Pandemic Council (no politicians).

So we must police ourselves, do not do business where the merchant or the customers are not wearing masks.

Be patient, it seems a vaccine will be available after the first of the year.

Let me close with — we must make the supreme sacrifice during the holidays — limit gatherings.

if we are going to win this war — as we did during WWII — we will have to make sacrifices.

Mask up, distance, be patient, save lives, stay in touch with relatives, friends and neighbors.

And be generous — our food banks (ATCAA) need our help now more than ever.

Domenic Torchia

Columbia