Carmel City Councilor
This was the first year that my wife and I took our daughter trick-or-treating.
Our two-year-old dressed up as Peppa Pig and only walked to only about four houses with us, plopping candy in her pumpkin pail. I was so thoroughly impressed by the extra precautions that our neighbors took that day. Almost everyone had tables set up outside with candy laid out so nobody had to touch every piece of candy. Everyone wore masks and kept their distance and even hand sanitizer was set out.
I felt proud of our community that people stepped up to try to let our kids enjoy Halloween even though the COVID-19 virus has not been defeated yet.
The next morning, it was a different story.
As I scrolled through Facebook, I saw photos of adults partying on Halloween night in packed homes without masks. I mean, it’s Halloween! A day in which wearing a mask is just natural.
Surely enough, the State of Indiana is experiencing rising numbers of COVID-19.
There have been 32 COVID-related deaths in Hamilton County from Oct. 1 to Nov. 9, compared to 18 COVID-related deaths in the entire 135 days prior from May 18 to Sept. 30.
County health officials say that the increased numbers now are due to relaxed diligence at in-home social gatherings.
I’m not saying we should throw people in jail if they don’t wear masks. I’m not saying we should shut down our economy. But I’m pleading with people to wear masks, wash your hands, keep your distance, stay home if sick and get tested if needed.
And if you can, please support our small businesses who are already seeing declining sales as people begin to limit their trips outside of the house. They’ve already had a tough year financially and it could get tougher. If you don’t feel safe stepping into a restaurant or store, please order carryout, curbside pickup or delivery. Or buy a gift card to use at a later date.
This year has brought some truth to light. No person is an island. Every man for themself just doesn’t work. We are an interconnected society and our actions have consequences for others.
I personally know quite a few people who have had the virus. Most recovered fine but one was in the ICU for quite some time. And for some people, two weeks in quarantine means two weeks without a paycheck. We need to stop the spread.
The virus is real. It isn’t fake. So let’s please do what we can because we’re all in this together.