Please commit to fighting the virus that is killing our loved ones

To the editor:

Thank you to our local medical professionals, health-care workers, health department personnel and all who are working to reduce the spread of COVID-19, which has resulted in the deaths of over 238,000 people in our country.

My mother, who did not live in Lincoln County, died last spring. The official cause of death: COVID-19 infection. After a fall and a brief stay in the hospital, she was in a nursing home when she exhibited Covid-19 symptoms just as these facilities were being locked-down.

My siblings and I were limited to communication with mom by phone. She was on oxygen when I asked how she felt, and she could only respond with, “horrible.” She was isolated, tested for the virus, and was dead before the test came back. It was positive.

My mother was frail, but did not have diabetes or a compromised immune system. She could have survived a cold or flu. Her age and communal living situation were risk factors, but this virus took her in a matter of days. She died without any friends or family present.

We have all heard these very real stories of sickness and death. If there were no mask requirements, we could only hope that residents and out-of-state travelers would make the personal choice to wear masks, but if many do not, then the risk is an increased spread of COVID-19, particularly to our most vulnerable.

When I see people wearing masks, I see more than compliance with requirements. What I see is compassion for one’s fellow human beings. Thank you.

Lynda Haggerty

Libby