The fear surrounding COVID-19 is supplanting our collective common sense. The medical professionals and experts are providing their analysis and opinion. Should we listen, yes, but even if we ignored their advice, we happen to have our individual and collective common sense. Or do we?

Defined:

Fear: an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat.

Common Sense: good sense and sound judgment in practical matters.

The eye test alone, should enough for everyone to understand that the virus is real, yet too many believe it is a hoax. It’s origins, ok, I can see how anyone can be suspicious of the information provided concerning how COVID-19 reached humanity. To not believe that this virus is impacting people is beyond me.

Mitigation. Long before COVID-19 existed, in Japan, you would regularly see individuals wearing masks to prevent spreading their sickness or what they are dealing with to others. It is so prevalent that most U.S. citizens living in Japan adopt the practice. To see the conflict that has erupted in the United States around the idea of wearing a mask in an attempt to prevent the spread of the virus is baffling. At best, wearing a mask reduces the spread of the virus and is a useful mitigation tool. At worst, it’s an inconvenience to the wearer. Yet, in the U.S., a man was shot dead by police after a face mask dispute in Michigan, and that is unfortunately not an isolated incident.

I am not in a position to determine how the COVID-19 response should be executed, if I were I would propose a different solution. Nevertheless, I genuinely feel that most elected officials and individuals charge with setting policy are capable enough and want to do the right thing. However, I perceive that too many are forgoing common sense and sound judgment, and making decisions based on their perception of how their political supporters will receive it or fear. This is a global problem. If one country has the situation under control, but another doesn’t, we all remain at risk, and a travel ban won’t stop the spread.

Consider your judgment and common sense as you navigate this “pandemic” situation we find ourselves living through. Do your part to help prevent the spread. If enough of us do our best to prevent the spread, our efforts should be enough to reduce the impact of those not participating in what are considered best practices to help prevent the spread of COVID.