Need Versus Respect
As we continue to move forward during this tough time, we see differing opinions all around us. Some people believe we should continue to stay at home and wait out this pandemic while others believe the time to reopen is now. We really do not know what the best approach to take is. We can only make educated decisions based on the information we have and hope for the best. History has the benefit of hindsight; we can only do the best we can in the here and now. That being said, no matter what decisions are made some people will disagree. It is there right; however, having a difference of opinion does not give anyone the right to make others uncomfortable.
Masks
Experts say wearing face masks will help reduce the speed of any virus spreading. They are not 100% effective but they do help contain the spread of germs a bit. Yes, they are not comfortable to wear all day long and some versions of masks are more effective than others. Masks are to help stop you from spreading disease they are not particularly effective at stopping you from contracting one unless it is a specialized medical mask. Some people believe that since it does not protect them then why should they even bother wearing them. Many arguments can be made, for example, that it is the socially responsible thing to do. Additionally, some stores and work places are now requiring them. However, the most important reason to wear a mask is out of respect for others. Part of being human is having dignity and helping other people out. By wearing a mask in public you help other people feel safe and you are respecting their opinion. It shouldn’t matter if you think it is unnecessary and pointless. People around you might feel differently and respecting their opinion and their health is the right thing to do, both ethically and morally. So if a place of business requests that you wear a mask, put one on. Show them respect and help make their work place safe; especially at the grocery stores. These places stay open to serve us and the least we can do is help protect the staff who helps keep us fed.
Protests
The Bill of Rights ensures that all Americans have the right to free speech and the right to gather and peacefully protest anything. This includes the stay at home and social distancing orders that are currently in effect. Across the country, we are seeing large gatherings, despite government recommendations, to protest the continuation of shelter at home orders. These people believe that the harm to the economy and the financial burdens they are suffering is worse than the risk of getting sick. These people are in the minority and go against the rules set in place to protect everyone. We must respect their opinions and their rights to protest. If they make you feel uncomfortable simply stay away from them. What they are doing might be dangerous and reckless but ultimately America is a free country and if they want to risk their lives to make a point, that is their choice. However, expressing their opinions does not give them the right to put other people at risk. We are starting to hear about incidents of people purposely coughing on others or trying to spread germs just to spite the government’s attempt to contain the pandemic. This is wrong, irresponsible, and is behavior that should be criminally punished. These types of actions are disrespectful to people with different opinions and cross a line. Gathering and protesting in a group might currently be considered unwise but everyone who does so is making a choice. Coming within 6 feet of people who want to maintain social distancing is an attack on their choice. You might not like the social distancing order, but like with masks, following it is about respect. Respect others decisions and if you choose to protest that is fine, just do not disrespect others while doing so. So, if you feel the need to gather and protest, feel free, just do not force others to do so and do not violate their opinion and personal space. We have a right to express ourselves; we do not have the right to violate the wishes of others.
Limited Access
Waiting in line sucks, we want to be able to get in and get out at our convenience. Waiting in a checkout line has a direct impact on how satisfied shoppers are with their experience. It is time to get used to it. Many states have slowly begun to reopen malls and other retail outlets with new rules. One of the most impactful is there will be stricter limits on how many people are allowed in a building at a time. Many companies have started these new rules without government intervention as well. Limited access allows consumers to shop while maintaining social distance to ensure everyone remains safe. As a result, some places have set up queue lines outside and line up people, 6 feet apart of course, to wait their turn to enter. As we continue to see more and more places reopen for business we should expect this to be the new normal. We must be more diligent in making plans and allocating our time going forward. The days of quickly running into a store for one item are in the past. We must make lists and limit how often we go shopping for our safety and the safety of others. With time these new rules will slowly dissipate, but for now we must learn to wait. We must be patient and respect the decisions made by stores to control their buildings. After all, it does not matter if we like it or not, it is the way it is. We can either play by the rules or not go shopping.
This pandemic continues to change how we live our lives. It is a fluid situation and as we start to get past what we hope is the worst of things, we must be prepared for the new norm. This will be a process and we must approach it with mutual respect and responsibility. Like other obstacles and challenges of the past, we will get through it. It will make us stronger by it and we will do it together.