The perception of COVID-19 has evolved in society from being a dangerous virus to a petty political argument. Since March 2020, the danger of COVID-19 has been taken less and less seriously. As a result, many people have been diagnosed and have been killed by COVID-19. The large wave of the virus, which is happening at this very moment, is alarmingly worse than the first wave in March.
Wearing a mask and quarantining is a necessity for stopping the spread of COVID-19. However, wearing masks and social distancing has become political, mainly between the Democratic and Republican parties. Many people have perceived the requirement to wear a mask as a threat because they feel like they are being controlled. Many people also have been vocalizing the need to social distance and stay home, then turning around and attending birthday parties and going to large gatherings with no masks. People have gathered in large crowds during the pandemic to protest a “no masks” movement. Gathering in large crowds during a pandemic is already risky, but to not wear masks and protest about wearing no masks is increasing the spread of the virus.
The pandemic should not be a political debate or a petty argument between two people with opposing political parties. The bottom line is to wear a mask. Wearing a mask not only stops the spread of the virus but also protects yourself and your loved ones. It is difficult to social distance and have minimal human interaction, as seen in the first wave. However, people should be able to safely visit and spend time with friends while staying safe, wearing masks, getting tested, and keeping some distance.
As for politics and the battles between political parties, both sides need to realize that wearing masks and keeping a distance is the best way to slow the spread. Preaching the concept of social distancing and then going in large crowds is hypocritical. Protesting without masks is not logical and spreads the virus even more. Doing these things not only increases the spread of the virus but also postpones when life will return to normal again.
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Photo Credit: Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University
