Doing the right thing may not be convenient

We are all faced with making numerous decisions each day, but we will soon be faced with what will likely be one of the most important decisions to be made in our lives. How we choose to respond to suggested social distancing and the impending global health epidemic truly will be a test of our moral and mental fortitude.

Some have done little to change their daily routines even after being asked by multiple entities to avoid crowds and practice personal isolation as COVID-19 aggressively engulfs the world. It’s as if they have zero regard for the well-being of humanity and are thinking only of themselves when they go about daily routines in the same way they have always done.

Normally, decisions made by others have little impact on me. I tend to have a live-and-let-live mindset as long as the actions of others don’t negatively affect me, but when the actions of others can, and likely will, negatively impact me, my loved ones and life as we know it, I get a bit irritated.

Not many relish the thought of being stuck in our homes for two weeks or longer, however, we are in uncharted territory which may continue for an indefinite period of time. We all must learn to adjust how we go about our daily lives, how we do our jobs and how we cope with social isolation.

What many don’t seem to realize it that just one incident of cross contamination can possibly infect hundreds, if not thousands, of others.

Those who choose to not protect themselves from others or choose to knowingly risk exposure to others by not practicing social distancing are being part of the problem rather than being part of the solution.

Self-isolation and social distancing are both unpleasant and inconvenient, but we must all do our parts for the betterment of ourselves and others if the spread of COVID-19 is to be curtailed.

Those who work in medical fields are risking their health each and every day. It’s time for the public to do our part as well.