More and more people are contracting the COVID-19 coronavirus, primarily the delta variant.

With the recent surges, we believe it is only to a person’s detriment to ignore the science and the evidence demonstrated around us that people are continuing to get sick and some are dying. These are not people we do not know in some far-off land. These are our neighbors, co-workers, friends and family members.

We make preparations and take precautions in other areas of life. We watch our children buckle up before they drive away, hoping they ignore cell phones and other distractions, that they obey traffic laws and stop signs, and drive defensively for their own safety. We also hope and pray other drivers are  doing the same things so that our children can arrive safely at their destinations.

We must also make preparations and take precautions when it comes to health issues — a diabetic needs to watch his or her sugar intake; a person with high blood pressure needs to be careful about their diet and activity, as well; a person with a broken foot should not repeatedly walk on it if it is not in a cast or boot to protect it and aids is healing.

Taking advantage of free medical help (like a vaccine), wearing a device proven to reduce contagion (like a mask) and making good-sense decisions (like washing hands) can help protect ourselves and others.

And we think that’s a great idea.