Do this and become a hero despite the coronavirus pandemic

As our nation shifts in reaction to an unprecedented crisis caused by the coronavirus, we recognize that our front-line workers have been the remarkable heroes of this event.

Nurses, doctors, law enforcement, and fire professionals have all been lauded for putting others above themselves. Now we have that same opportunity.

How can we all be heroes in this next stage as we reopen Stanislaus County?

First responders gave us the blueprint: others above self. They wore masks even while risking their lives for their interactions and care for those who might be infected. Our nation has seen almost 100,000 kids, young adults, middle-aged people, seniors, and those with underlying conditions die because this virus doesn’t pick sides in its destructiveness. Like any natural disaster — be it earthquake, fire, hurricane, or flood — no one is entirely safe.

Stanislaus County, thankfully, has not had the high rates of infection that some other parts of our nation have had. We mourn those locally taken by the disease and are thankful for those who survived.

And this is where we can all be heroes. It can be as simple as assuring each other’s safety.

Vintage Faire is slowly coming back to life. Our churches and houses of worship may resume services soon. Some of our favorite places to dine have already consented to this new normal and opened with preset precautions for patrons and staff. I can’t wait to eat in at Surla’s, Raw, Harvest Moon, Dust Bowl, Food Fix, Concetta, and so many others!

As we take precautions heading into this new normal, we can demonstrate the hero within. All of us wearing a mask shows those most vulnerable that we care about them. It also says that the inconvenience of mask-wearing is a small price to pay to help our fellow citizens’ peace of mind.

If wearing a mask reduces the infection rate and reduces cases and deaths, we all become heroes just from this simple act.

I have a black mask, as well as a San Francisco Giants mask that I proudly wear as a nod to my favorite baseball team. It’s not a slight nod, as it turns out. I’ve received numerous compliments, as if it was a stylish pair of shoes or a great hat or a new item of clothing. Funny that my little mask has drawn that much positive attention. You can find a mask that shares something fun about the person behind it, and enjoy the response.

In addition to the loss of life, businesses have shuttered or are hurting badly, people have lost jobs, and the hard emotional toll on individuals and families is significant. A mask can help with all of that.

I’m a warm-blooded person. I run hot most of the year. As triple-digit heat appears, the idea of wearing a mask isn’t appealing. It won’t be a favorite part of my day when I go into Target, or my church, or even to a friend’s house for happy hour.

But the option of being a small part of heroism right now outweighs that inconvenience. I keep others safe, and like our amazing first responders, I supply a genuine peace of mind, something harder to access in these uncertain times.

Please join me in wearing a mask. Others will thank you for it, with a nod, a smile, and with gratefulness in their hearts and minds that you are looking out for them.

Wearing a mask could lead to even more freedom and liberty, not less. It’s time for a big Stanislaus masquerade party. Let’s get started by wearing a personalized mask!

As David Bowie once sang, “We can be heroes.” It’s too easy and too important.