DEAR EDITOR:

Is it because of our arrogance (or ignorance) and selfishness that COVID-19 has run rampant in the United States? We are not allowed to enter Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, all of Europe — and the list goes on to include a minimum of 33 countries! This is a world pandemic, not a hoax!

What happened to the Golden Rule, “Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you”? Instead, some say, “Who cares. I’m going to do what I want.” And, that has been the advice of our country’s leader!

The sound of “Liberate” did nothing but spread COVID-19 and kill.

The United States is a leader in the spread and deaths from COVID-19. We need to listen to doctors and scientists. They have the knowledge. This is about life and death, not politics and ego.

There are safe ways to reopen. Wear a mask, wash your hands, social distance and avoid crowds and planning large events. You could infect someone without even knowing!

Sweden, unlike the surrounding countries that took precautions and followed the same guidelines we are advised to follow, imposed no health guidelines — and lost more lives and saw its economy suffer more than countries surrounding it. That’s a lesson for us to learn.

Please, wear a mask. It takes 15 seconds or fewer to put one on. Doctors and nurses sometimes wear them 10-12 hours a day, with no adverse effects!

Help your fellow Americans. Stop the spread.

We are the Unites States, so let’s unite and help one another!

ELIZABETH BRAHAM

North Lima