In Focus

I know we are tired of hearing about COVID, but it’s getting worse and I am getting worried.

In the first few months of this pandemic, hardly anyone I talked to knew somebody that had contracted the virus. Now, most all of us know someone with it, or even worse, someone that has died from it.

I check the cases daily. For some time, it was every once in a while a Todd or Wadena case would show up. For the past few weeks, it has been on the list every day. Anywhere from the teens to 50 cases in a single day. I hate seeing this. I also hate having to check on local deaths from this terrible pandemic. This is the new reality. And I’m afraid this is how it’s going to be for some time to come.

Yes, 2020 has been a horrible year and everyone is looking forward to 2021, but the reality is, nothing is going to change. The new year won’t magically erase this pandemic or fix the ongoing turmoil in our nation. Only we can change the outcome by doing what needs to be done to avoid the spread of the virus or face another shutdown.

Nobody likes the mandates. Nobody likes to wear a mask or wants to social distance or avoid large gatherings. I know, it sucks! Many are conflicted about what to do this Thanksgiving holiday, with gatherings limited to 10 people. Some will abide by the mandates and others won’t. It’s not like the public is policed for compliance. Some will do as they please. But we all need to do our part.

The holidays are important to many and I totally understand everyone’s frustration. I often think about the elderly and how depressed they are right now that they can’t see their families. We don’t know what tomorrow holds or if this will be the last holiday for some of our grandparents.

So, do we take a chance? If grandpa and grandma want to come over for Christmas do we say no? Do we get tested and quarantine to ensure they can? It’s a lot to think about.

All I am asking is to be considerate of others this holiday season and follow the guidelines to help put an end to the pandemic. Then...maybe...in 2021 things will get better and we can get back to some sense of normalcy.