Family endangers high-risk couple
Dear Annie: My husband is in the high-risk category for catching COVID-19, and we have lost family and friends due to the disease. The issue is that we love seeing our grandchildren, but some people in our families view the pandemic as a “hoax” and are lax about following safety precautions. This makes it dangerous for us to spend time with our grandchildren, as these family members also spend time with them. One relative even refuses to wear a mask in public.
After talking to my friends, I have realized that this issue affects and divides many families — and the oldest members of the families are understandably more cautious. Do we stop all contact with the rest of our families?
Tough Questions
Dear Tough: First, I am so sorry for your loss. It’s terrible that you had to watch this disease take your loved ones.
Please note that I am not a licensed medical professional and am not qualified to give medical advice, so what follows are my personal opinions. Please talk to your doctor for proper guidance.
You indeed raise some tough questions, ones that many families throughout the country and the world are wrestling with right now. Even when all parties agree to take COVID-19 seriously, they can differ on what exactly “seriously” means.
While abstaining from socializing with anyone outside your household remains the safest option, risk is not binary: There are steps you can take to minimize the chance of spreading infection — but only if your family is willing to take these steps, too. See if these relatives can agree to some basic ground rules such as only gathering outside, standing six feet (or more) apart and wearing masks. Explain that your husband is at high risk for getting ill and dying from this virus, and that you’d like to continue seeing them and your grandchildren if at all possible.
If they still won’t get on board, then yes, avoid seeing them in person for a while. Dear Annie: Is there a more protective mask or faceguard system available to the public? My understanding is that most masks protect those around you but are not guaranteed for your own safety unless everyone wears them. Any advice you might have is deeply appreciated.
Staying Safe
Dear Staying Safe: Masks help prevent us from spreading COVID-19 to others, and some recent data indicate that masks may also help reduce the risk of contracting a severe case. As for gaiters and face shields, the Centers for Disease Control state that evaluation is ongoing but their effectiveness is unknown at this time. They instead recommend masks with two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric, worn over the nose and mouth and secured under the chin. As mentioned above, I am not a licensed medical professional and not qualified to give medical advice, so please talk to your doctor for proper guidance.