We are in a modern day in age where the global pandemic, Covid-19, is a playing factor in almost every decision made. The only way to get rid of this devastating virus is to know what it is and how to prevent it. Some countries were able to lower the amount of cases present without a vaccine by simply following a few guidelines. 

To start off, EVERYONE PLEASE WEAR THEIR MASK!!!!!! I know it is repeated constantly but it really is a significant matter.Covid-19 is a virus that spreads when someone talks, coughs, or sneezes. Many scientific experiments done by countless organizations and top medical professionals such as Dr. Anthony Fauci explain that masks can catch the droplets that one may breathe out. Less transmission occurs when there is a physical barrier between your mouth and the open air. Many people may be asymptomatic, but that does not mean it doesn’t matter. One can still spread the virus to a parent or a close friend who may not be so lucky.  It is unknown actually how many cases there are in the U.S. But it can be assumed that the number is much larger than what is known. You are not just wearing a mask for yourself, you are doing it to protect everyone around you. There was one scenario where a man who tested positive for covid went on a plane but wore a mask the entire time. The 25 people around him were tested negative since they were all wearing their masks properly and stopped the spread through the air.

I know it can be difficult to wear a mask in public, but when looking at the context, I would wear 100 masks on my face if it meant no one around me would catch covid or even die from it. I especially urge everyone to wear their masks properly. All over the internet and in real experiences I see many people have their masks on them but choose to wear it inappropriately. I personally dislike this the most, nose maksers. Wearing their mask under their nose. Simply pulling up your mask all the way in public may just save an old man with heart issues, or a child with a weak immune system due to preexisting conditions. You never know who is around you. Simply wearing a mask properly, not just holding in your hand may just save a life.

The last topic I would like to elaborate on in gatherings. I understand over this long quarantine it can be very hard to be alone. But when I see on the news that a giant rager was thrown and one of the attendees’ parents or grandparents died because they wanted to party, it breaks my heart. Hanging out with one or two people while wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart is totally okay. I personally have hung with my cousin by sitting in two different cars while we ate and talked. Finding fun like activities where you are distanced and outside can be just as fun. Remembering especially kids, though you may not personally get hurt, have empathy for those around you. Including parents, grandparents, uncles, and even siblings.

-Lilly G.