I hope you have noticed that the number of cases of COVID-19 has been rising in Montgomery County — 106 as of the time I write this, and now two families are grieving the loss of loved ones. We are not certain if the numbers are rising due to an increased rate of spread of infection or if it’s from the increased number of tests we are doing (or both).
What we are seeing today is a result of who was being infected up to two weeks ago. I am concerned where we’ll be in another two weeks if the residents of Montgomery County don’t practice our civic duty to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Gov. Eric Holcomb, in consultation with public health experts, has recognized in his “Back on Track Indiana” roadmap that Hoosiers need to do some critical things to protect our fellow citizens from COVID-19. One of these is wearing facial coverings. They are recommended in Indiana until at least June 14 when it’s hoped Indiana will reach Stage 4.
Masks are very effective at preventing an infected person from spreading the virus to others. We are learning more about coronavirus biology every day. It’s a known fact that a person can spread the coronavirus a couple of days before showing any symptoms of COVID-19. Many people don’t even develop symptoms. If you don’t feel sick and think wearing a mask is too much of a bother, you’re showing you really don’t care about those around you.
Most people are hoping and praying for a vaccine to prevent COVID-19. We’re going to have to wait until sometime in 2021 for that to possibly materialize. We don’t have to feel helpless until a vaccine arrives; wearing face coverings, physical distancing, and washing our hands are the best defenses we have NOW.
When I’m out in the county, I see very few people wearing face coverings in public (particularly big box retail and grocery stores). Why? If you can’t physically distance yourself from others, there really are very few medical excuses to not wear a mask. Why are employees of many businesses who are face-to-face with tens or even hundreds of customers a day not wearing masks? I will think twice about patronizing businesses that do not require, or at least strongly encourage, employees to wear face coverings.
This fact bears repeating — you may be infected with coronavirus and not feel sick but can easily spread the virus to others if you don’t wear a mask. Remember, wearing a mask is not about you — masks protect your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and others from you. We frequently boast about the caring people of Montgomery County. It’s time to strap on our masks and prove it.
John Roberts, MD
Deputy Montgomery County Health Officer
