Masks work, but so do other things

So, it is clear we can’t agree on the need for masks. At the height of the pandemic, most of us dutifully masked up. It made a difference and virus cases dropped. We learned that taking some simple precautions were effective in slowing the spread of the virus. But despite recommendations that we continue to wear masks in most indoor spaces, even if we are fully vaccinated, those recommendations are largely falling on deaf ears. But we took precautions other than wearing masks, and they made a difference too. We followed the advice of our parents and teachers and nurses who reminded us to wash our hands frequently. We tried not to touch our eyes. We kept hand sanitizer at the ready and used disinfectant wipes when we grabbed a shopping cart. We observed the tape on floor stores and worked hard to stay six feet apart. Plexiglass shields were installed, and keypads were wiped down frequently. And what happened when we did these simple things? Cases of the coronavirus dropped and the seasonal flu was practically non-existent. So if we can’t agree on the need for masks, can we at least remember, with the delta variant surging and flu season approaching, that a few practical, simple steps can help keep us all healthier?