The Importance of Wearing a Mask in Today’s Climate

I have had a number of people reach out to me over the last couple of weeks asking me to write something to help encourage residents to wear their masks when outside their homes. I spent a lot of time last week researching and below is what I’d like to share with you.
We are all concerned about the rapid spread of COVID-19. During the month of June, and especially over the last 2 weeks, we have seen a steady rise in the number of people testing positive in Texas. This is not only because we are doing more tests, nor is it because visitors are testing positive while here. Our numbers are now rising precipitously because we are spreading it amongst ourselves. If we continue to see case numbers increase in this way, we all should be concerned that Texas will be forced to again mandate to close our doors and isolate. This will not only cause loss of life but will further damage our economy. None of us want that.
In fact, we are certain that everyone wants COVID-19 to just GO AWAY, but the hard truth is that COVID-19 is a contagious disease, easily spread by respiratory droplets that pass from person to person when we cough, sneeze, talk, laugh, breath hard or sing. COVID-19 is not just another cold virus. It is much deadlier than the flu, a virus that also takes a high toll on human life every year. In just over three months, despite strict p……