Coronavirus fatigue? We get it. But Texans can’t let up just as cases are rising
Sometimes, the depth of our political polarization is overstated and over-dramatized.
Then, there are times like the opening minutes of Thursday’s presidential debate. The exchange between Donald Trump and Joe Biden perfectly encapsulates our national split on the coronavirus.
“I say we’re learning to live with it,” Trump said.
Biden retorted: “People are learning to die with it.”
Both are correct, in their limited ways. They reflect the complete divide among people who think the virus just isn’t that bad and those who are still in lockdown mode. The nuance required to navigate this dangerous moment, with the virus resurgent in much of Tarrant County and much of the country, was largely absent.
We have consistently advocated for cautious reopening. We believe it’s past time for children to be in schools. And much of the rest of life can go forward, with the right precautions and protections for the vulnerable.
But the rising case numbers and troubling levels of hospitalizations clearly show we need a change. It’s not one that can come from political leaders. It has to come from each of us.
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Too many people still don’t get it about masks. Too many still don’t recognize the danger of mass gatherings. And too many who once were vigilant have given in, understandably, to COVID-19 fatigue.
To those of us who think we can’t get sick, or it won’t be bad for us if you do: We must do better, for the sake of others. If that isn’t motivation, think about how much quicker we can get to the day when the virus isn’t an ever-present threat, restaurants can open at full capacity, movies can be shown and small businesses can thrive.
Yes, our understanding of the virus and how it spreads has improved. The death rate has dropped, and the vast majority of people who contract it end up just fine. For those who get sick, there are better options, including the just-approved Remdesivir. All these things aren’t reasons to go to that crowded Halloween party or pack into a restaurant, but they are real.
But so is the newly rampant spread of the virus. And that means the additional threat to vulnerable people is real, too. Simply put: Maybe your grandmother won’t get sick, but someone’s will.
The more spikes we have, the longer it will take to get closer to normal. And businesses such as live music venues, restaurants and even independent shops are running out of time.
We’re all eager for the day when a vaccine is ready and widely available, but until then, we’re in danger of settling into an unsustainable pattern: spikes that force us to claw back more of life, followed by carelessness that eventually leads to more spikes. That means more illness, death and economic misery than we should all have to endure.
And all it costs us is wearing a mask properly when you’re out, as the law currently requires. It needs to fit right, cover the nose and not dangle from the chin. We must also skip big gatherings for a while. If we get it right, we can better endure the long road ahead with this virus.
It would help, too, if those on the other side of the argument (call it the Biden side) would acknowledge some clearly established facts. The debate about schools should be largely settled. There’s ample evidence at this point that with the right protocols, such as good ventilation and an emphasis on masks and hand-washing, opening schools doesn’t lead to a huge burst of cases, particularly in the younger grades.
And we should all be honest that there are tradeoffs. Children are suffering real social and mental damage. Some businesses will never come back. There’s even danger of other medical problems from delayed cancer screenings and other checkups.
Both sides should also be wary of confirmation bias. If you think the virus is not a big deal, don’t discount increased caseloads and the strain on the healthcare system. If you’re on the other side, don’t take the rare case of, say, a teacher or a young adult contracting the disease as proof. Their lives matter, and they shouldn’t be forgotten. But decisions should be made on data, not anecdotes.
With the virus spreading again, we are in danger of troubling weeks ahead — perhaps not the “dark winter” that Biden forecast, but with holiday celebrations around the corner, increased spread is a real possibility.
We all must make sacrifices. The more we make now, the fewer will be needed later.