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Editor,

COVID-19 might be a hoax to some, but I have several reasons why I choose to treat it as a real threat to health, well-being and life.

I plan and hope to complete at least one more marathon before I die. I also want to refrain from being the cause of anyone’s death, something I’m happy to have accomplished so far through my first 71 years.

Therefore, I have religiously donned my mask when entering businesses, homes and school buses and will continue to do so.

You see, I live in one of two counties which together have managed to account for two-and-a-half times as many deaths per capita than the United States of America has. Nationwide, one in every 1,000 citizens has died, but in Hill and Blaine counties, the total is 2.5 deaths per 1,000 residents.

Actually, Blaine County’s count is about 3.4 fatalities per 1,000 and Hill County’s is 2.2 or so per 1,000.

Several of the people who have died due to complications from the COVID-19 pandemic were friends and acquaintances of mine. I know that at least five of them were younger than I am and did not live in retirement homes.

The entire country is in the midst of a surge in infections and deaths even as the vaccines are making their way into our communities. And they will continue to surge as long as people who have not been inoculated or, in some cases, already infected, refuse to stand against the spread.

Please consider your own aspirations and the aspirations of your family, friends, co-workers and others that would be denied should you or they become permanently debilitated or killed by the disease. Please consider whether or not you want to attend your child or grandchild’s graduation and birthday party or celebrate anniversaries of your own.

How many people do you suppose thought themselves immune only to regret their obstinance when death came too soon?

If you have a bucket list and it still lists as yet unrealized dreams, please consider wearing a mask and social distancing. If 40 percent of infected people are symptom-free, then it’s a toss-up who could be transmitting the next infection.

Going without a mask and mingling in this day and age is akin to playing Russian roulette; it is a game which even the winners lose.

Please stay safe and prosper — and consider driving a school bus.

Sincerely,

Alan Sorensen

Havre