Coronavirus Update 7-16-2020: A letter to Ohio — we’re all in this together; let’s all start acting like it

To my fellow Ohioans,

Last evening, Governor DeWine scolded many of you for not doing your part in helping to stop the spread of coronavirus. I took it as a warning; if we don't start acting responsibly, he will have no choice but to mandate masks and even shut down parts of the state. If that happens, we will have no one else to blame but ourselves (or at least some of us).

For anyone who has refused to wear a mask in public, this is your fault.

For any business that has allowed employees to violate Ohio's reopening rules and work without a mask, this is your fault.

For any business that has allowed customers to enter and remain maskless, this is your fault.

For anyone who has frequented any crowded space without maintaining appropriate physical distance, this is your fault.

For anyone who held a mass gathering at your home, this is your fault.

For anyone who thinks COVID-19 is only an "old person's virus," this is your fault.

For anyone who thinks COVID-19 is a hoax or government conspiracy, this is your fault.

For anyone who disbelieves science, this is your fault. 

For anyone who has refused to take personal responsibility for your own key role to play in stopping the spread of this virus, this is your fault.

We all want to get back to "normal." We all want to go to restaurants, bars, and concerts. We all want to have large family summer picnics. Most importantly, we all want our kids to go back to school in a few weeks. None of this can happen, however, if coronavirus rages out of control. This virus is not going away any time soon. In fact, it's getting worse, and will continue to get worse unless and until we all follow the rules. 

Before you blame Governor DeWine for "ruining our economy," or "forcing government down your throat," or "eliminating your constitutional rights" (none of which is close to accurate), take a look at your own actions. You are to blame for the situation in which we now find ourselves, not the Governor or the government. Unless and until you agree to live by the rules that we all need to follow to help stem the spread of this virus to manageable numbers, he will continue to do what is necessary to keep us healthy and safe. He will not let us become Florida, Texas, Arizona, or California. And you shouldn't want that either.

Wear a mask.

Keep your distance.

Stop complaining.   

We're all in this together; let's all start acting like it.

Be well,

Jon

* Photo by Anastasiia Chepinska on Unsplash