Just Stop

Restaurants have reopened, but you do not need to dine in. 
Disneyworld reopened their theme park, but you do not need to visit. 
Our government hopelessly failed to contain this virus when we had a chance, but you do not need to increase your exposure and increase your risk. 

People. Please. I’m officially at the point of begging you. Retreat home. Stay there as much as possible. When you do go out, wear a mask. Stay isolated by keeping a “safe six” distance from others. Wash your hands or frequently use hand sanitizer. 

To group gatherings for fun, a Hard stop. 

You do not want this virus.

Death is only one horrific outcome. (The virus is at a 3-4% fatality rate but much higher within Black, Hispanic, and elderly populations.)
A miserable two to three weeks, or even months, is another. You might be intubated and placed on a ventilator, assuming an ICU bed and ventilator is available when you need one. (Regionally, 90% of the ICU and acute care beds are occupied.) 

If you do get admitted to the hospital, no family will be with you as you struggle for breath. If you survive, long term pulmonary complications might be another consequence. 

Another real consequence of getting this virus includes inflicting death upon others. Yes, you can absolutely be the reason someone else dies. Do you want to have that on your conscience? Can you live with that collateral damage?

Stay safe instead. Please stop going out. Stop hanging out with your friends, unmasked. Stop going to the gym. (You can exercise at home, there are many apps available as well as virtual classes to participate in.)  Don’t go to bars and meet strangers, now is not the time. Just stop. 

We will have a vaccine and treatment one day soon, perhaps even this winter. Ask yourself, do you still want to be here when it arrives?