It's time for the community to show up

To the editor:

I moved to Libby in 1978. One thing soon became clear: When disaster strikes, people in this community come together and "show up."

When trees fell across the highway after a microburst, people hopped out of their trucks and fired up chainsaws to clear the road. When record snowfall threatened to collapse roofs, people appeared with snow shovels to save buildings. In difficult times, people showed up.

We face a disaster in the making with COVID-19 spreading unchecked. We need to summon that same spirit of “showing up.” Let’s follow the science and limit social gatherings, wear a face mask in public and wash your hands.

The people who are promoting anti-scientific positions and conspiracy theories found on the Internet are wrong. Misleading and wacky theories found on Facebook need sources that are fact checked and exposed. People have a right to their opinions, but not a right to alter facts. This disaster should not be political. This is about public health safety — nothing else.

It's time to show up to support the Lincoln County Health Department and local doctors who are doing their best to keep us safe. We need them now more than ever. Let’s focus on experts in the health field to lead us through this difficult time.

We all want Lincoln County to thrive. Let’s bring back that spirit of helping each other through a disaster. Let’s show up.

Wear a mask.

Limit group size.

Wash your hands.

Support our local health department.

Sandra Honeychurch

Libby