Gazette reader shares pandemic lessons

What I have learned during this pandemic.

Immigrant workers are essential for our well-being, from picking our vegetables, processing our meat, taking care of our elderly, to our doctors (one in four doctors are immigrants).

The isolation during the Great Depression and world wars is not happening if you have a cellphone and internet.

A pandemic does not automatically create people or politicians with common sense or brains.

Many people are stepping up and following best practices while others are ignoring and actively working on worst practices.

Much about the virus is unknown. I will continue to follow WHO and scientists' best practices. I do not know if I am a carrier. I do not want to be responsible for others catching it or others feeling responsible for my death.

Everything I do is done with risk/reward. Is what I am doing worth the risk of me or others, from truckers to delivery people, catching the virus?

If thousands of sick and dying does not cause people to change and keep us all safe, what chance is there to save ourselves, our land, and our water from effects of climate change?

I will continue to stay in place, send emails and phone calls to spread the word of common sense and best practices. Please find the courage to do what you can for those in need, stay connected to others, use common sense, change, keep all safe, think risk/reward, wear masks, and take care.

Charlene Lange

Iowa City