Do your duty, wear a mask

The coronavirus pandemic has created a chaotic environment for most of us. We need simplification. We need hope.

There is a simple solution that provides hope. It is easy. It is doable. It is short term. It is scientifically sound.

Wear a mask.

One of our duties as a citizen and a human is to create a safe environment for our friends and neighbors. We, individually and as a community, can create a climate free and clear of the coronavirus.

The only requirement is that each and all of us must wear a mask when we are outside of our homes. In 100 days the virus would be gone. That means that we could celebrate Thanksgiving with our families and friends. Our children would be able to be educated face to face with their teachers. Colleges could continue to educate our young adults in a safe classroom. We could dine inside our favorite restaurants. We could again attend concerts and experience sporting events.

How do we get everyone to wear a mask? I think we start with a slogan that would say: 'Do Your Duty-Wear a Mask.” Every business would post large signs at their entrance. The media would run ads on a continuous basis to remind everyone. The Iowa Department of Health would provide masks for distribution at every grocery store, convenience store, restaurant, and all businesses free of charge. We need to create the atmosphere that mask wearing is important and necessary.

Gene Kopecky

Cedar Rapids