‘Mask-up for the common good.’ Fighting COVID-19 is not about your ‘freedoms’ | Letter to the editor

I have news for those who think wearing a mask to stop the spread of a deadly disease is an infringement on their “personal liberties and freedoms.”

COVID-19 doesn’t care whether you are a Republican or Democrat; doesn’t care about your race or ethnicity; doesn’t care how old you are (It’s no longer reserved for the elderly. Young children, teens and adults in their 20s are contracting the virus at an alarming rate.) Wearing a mask is about PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. It’s about being a good and decent human being, uniting and sacrificing together for the common good. Wearing a mask doesn’t make you any less of a person. Not wearing a mask doesn’t make you a “tough guy” or “tough girl.” Not wearing a mask makes you an irresponsible and selfish citizen who could care less about the health and safety of others.

Wearing a mask protects me from you and you from me. Buying a gun (there’s been a spike in gun sales since COVID-19) WILL NOT protect you from COVID-19. FYI: Shooting a virus won’t kill it. Wearing a mask, washing/sanitizing your hands regularly and social distancing help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

So how about putting aside your “personal liberties and freedoms” for awhile and “mask-up” for the common good? You’ll feel a lot better about yourselves and I promise, no one will make fun of you. It’s tough to enjoy personal liberties and freedoms when confined to a hospital bed, or hooked-up to a ventilator because of COVID-19.

Michael Polin

Bradenton