Connecticut, and especially New London County, has weathered the first wave of COVID-19 magnificently. In March, April and May Imarveled at the courage of our ICU team; men and women who bravely donned hazmat suits to care for very sick patients in air thick with COVID-19. Now there arefew cases. Why? Thanks to you, our fellow citizens, who get it, who socially distance, wear masks in public and look out for each other.

This will be a temporary victory if we drop our guard. Only about 10% of us have gotten COVID-19. Getting it does not mean we are immune. It is likely that a vaccine will reduce but will not eliminate acute illness from COVID-19. In other words, get used to this new reality and do not stop what you are doing. The greatest civic virtue derivative of the Golden Rule is looking out for our neighbors. With COVID-19, we must continue to protect each other, especially the most vulnerable among us. Do not despair. For the gullible, political puffery will eventually give way to self-interest, severe illness, or death (see Florida, Texas and Arizona).

We Nutmeggers have mastered this plague but itmay never go away entirely. Keep your focus to distance, mask, and insist (politely, but firmly) on the same from all.

Constantine Manthous

East Lyme

See the article here:

Connecticut's great job managing the 'plague' - News from southeastern Connecticut - theday.com