Do your part to help others

Living with COVID-19 and restrictions put forth by government and health officials is a challenge. Because of the uncertainties it presents - whom and how it will strike, its ability it to spread with victims unaware - we are asked to comply.

Although I limit forays into the community, I am surprised to see individuals ignoring the governor's mandates.

I noted an office supply store employee, serving a customer and standing a counter-width away, was unmasked. At the post office, a female customer was bare faced. All others - including employees and her companion - were covered. In a local school parking lot,

I spotted three women casually conversing - not a mask in sight and practically huddled together. Children were "uncovered," too. I next saw two women taking pictures of three uniformed school-aged girls who were posed arm-in-arm. All unmasked.

Whether they are unaware of guidelines, choose to disregard them or feel "safe," their actions have consequences. They themselves might be sickened or unwittingly, spread it. That person, healthy or otherwise, might end up in ICU on a ventilator or succumb. A child could develop the Kawasaki-like syndrome and require hospitalization. Likely most will recover, but then may live with its sequela.

Victim numbers differ by ZIP code or city, but there are no guarantees one location is safer.

Yes, Arlington Heights numbers are low compared to Des Plaines, but they are increasing. The virus is still here.

Please do your part to stem the tide - wear face coverings and maintain social distance. You could save yourself and someone else from becoming a statistic.

Patricia Kellen

Arlington Heights