When the Covid-19 pandemic began and we all faced the reality of lives quarantined at home if we were lucky enough to not be essential workers, we all hoped it would be over in a matter of weeks. As we reach the middle of July and the second half of summer, this virus continues to get worse by the hour. The duty to stop the spread of Covid-19 falls on each and every one of us. Wearing your mask and staying home as much as possible is the only way we can stop the spread. It may be uncomfortable or irritating at times, but please, wear your mask. 

Wear your mask for Nick Cordero. He was a 41-year-old new father who died after 95 days in the ICU on a ventilator. He was a Tony Award nominee and Broadway star with no pre-existing conditions. His one-year-old son is forced to grow up without his father. 

Wear your mask for the health care workers who sacrifice their health and safety to take care of patients. Many of which have not seen their families for weeks or months out of fear of infecting them. 

Wear your mask for those who are immunocompromised and forced to live in fear of what could happen if they contract the virus. You might be able to survive Covid-19, but if you spread it to them they might not be so lucky. 

Wear your mask for the small business owners who are suffering as they are forced to close. The longer the pandemic continues, the harder it is for their business to survive. 

Wear your mask for international students who could be forced to leave this country if schools switch to online learning. The more the virus spreads, the more they fear being forced out of the United States. 

Wear your mask for the hundreds of thousands of people who have lost their lives to this virus. Even if you think you could survive it, people around you might not.

Wear your mask for the greater good. We all need to understand that this fight is not just about us. Our actions have a ripple effect that can literally be the difference between life and death for people around us. Wearing your mask is a sign of respect, and evidence that you care for the wellbeing of your community and the nation as a whole.