Our government has told us precisely how to protect ourselves and our families from the likelihood of falling victim to the coronavirus. For our safety, leaders are instructing the various types of businesses precisely how they must operate to stay open. So now that we are “green,” continued control over the covid-19 outbreak is totally up to us.

So go to it, folks. You don’t want to wear a mask? Fine. Stay home. Or don’t go where masks are required. You think the whole thing is a fraud? You are entitled to your opinion. But please stay 6 feet away from the rest of us.

Meanwhile, if you want to work again, then follow the rules. If you think it’s “too soon” to be going back to work, that’s fine, too, but there’s probably not going to be any more “free money” available for you.

There is a tipping point in this pandemic business, and it is real. We came soberingly close to losing control of the coronavirus completely. If the coronavirus experience is any marker, pandemics will continue to come more frequently, and they will be increasingly more difficult to handle.

The problem is real and it is deadly. The government’s rules and suggestions are not designed to take away our freedom. Everyone is free to choose their own behavior. We can choose to be as cautious as we can and cooperate by behaving as suggested, or not. It’s up to us this time, really.

Ed Collins

West Newton

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