Editorial: Those who ignore distancing put everyone else at risk

Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes probably was speaking for most municipal leaders and police agencies Monday when he said he prefers to count on people to comply voluntarily with social distancing orders rather than resort to "more heavy-handed enforcement actions." No one wants to see police resources that are needed elsewhere become concentrated on making sure people stay home and avoid gathering in public. But Hayes added a warning that also has merit.

"With spring weather fast approaching, I am concerned, and so if you don't do it voluntarily, we will have to take other measures to ensure that you do," Hayes said.

Amen to that.

Hayes, like authorities in many suburbs, notes that people overwhelmingly are adhering to restrictions against gathering in public or leaving home except for essential activities. That's worth acknowledging.

But we can't overlook the substantial number who disregard the restrictions. Throughout the suburbs, officials have had to close some parks because people persisted in gathering there in large numbers. Basketball hoops have had to be covered with two-by-fours to discourage pickup games. Soccer and lacrosse goals have been dismantled.

And, adding to the recreational insults, a Daily Herald story today highlights the disturbing practice some people have of simply discarding rubber gloves on the street like toxic litter.

These behaviors are unacceptable, and authorities do our communities a favor by assuring they are stopped.

It is one thing for individuals to ignorantly risk infection themselves. It is something very different to arrogantly put the lives of others at risk of catching a disease that already has sickened more than 15,000 Illinoisans and killed more than 460. Moreover, the prospect of needing first responders to disperse crowds or enforce safety restrictions adds additional threats to personnel who already are taking significant risks to protect us.

At present, the stay-at-home and social distancing strategies are the only means we have of controlling the spread of COVID-19, and to the degree that they can, they are working. Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike acknowledged "glimmers of hope" Wednesday as she described infection numbers that, although substantial, are not showing "the exponential growth we've seen before."

Two weeks ago, Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley expressed sentiments similar to Hayes' as she described plans to enforce compliance if people don't respond voluntarily.

"The message is, at the police department, we appreciate everyone's part in doing their part, and everyone plays a role in making sure that we stay healthy and safe," she said.

Everyone plays a role. Those who don't observe the rules, endanger everyone else, and we should be grateful to authorities who do what they must to stop them.