Defensible space is an invaluable pandemic tool
There are people who claim wearing a mask is ridiculous and ineffective.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, however, recommends that anyone older than age 2 wear a cloth covering, frequently wash hands, and socially distance in public. CDC suggests this because a “significant portion” of individuals with COVID-19 are asymptomatic and can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. (www.cdc.gov)
Nonetheless, some folks say being asked to wear facial coverings infringes on individual rights and civil liberties. Some assert masks don’t help slow the spread, and that misused coverings exacerbate the issue and interfere with the natural development of “herd immunity.”
But I wonder: Do you, anti-maskers, have a smoke alarm in your home? Is there a carbon monoxide detector in the hallway? Are there fire extinguishers and/or hydrants nearby? Do you have at least 30 feet of cleared vegetation around your home?
These all are items recommended by experts to help safeguard us, our homes and our neighborhoods. Alarms alert us to take protective actions. Hydrants, extinguishers and “defensible space” are tools that snuff out fire or hinder expansion of flames to nearby structures, such as a neighbor’s home. They cannot stop all infernos, but extinguishing devices and areas free of combustible materials are designed to diminish the rapid spread of flames and give firefighters the necessary chemical agents — and precious time — to defend life and property.
Fire hydrants and extinguishers have been used for centuries. A patent for a cask filled with a flame-retarding liquid with a pewter chamber holding gunpowder — the first extinguisher — was issued in 1723. Even before that, as early as the 16th century, firefighters dug down to “wooden mains of water” and drilled holes into pipe systems to quickly access water to fight fires. Although times and methods have changed, their life-saving value is undisputed.
Social distancing, hand-washing and face masks are like hydrants, extinguishers and “defensible spaces” for communities. When used correctly, all have proven effectiveness.
As of May 13, more than 83,000 Americans — 321 Nevadans — have died from COVID-19, according to John Hopkins University. More than 1.3 million cases have been confirmed nationwide, of which Nevada accounts for 6,394. (www.dhhs.nv.gov) Dreary statistics.
The positive news is that 241,000 Americans have recovered from the virus.
Also, this week, some of our nation’s top scientists and doctors testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. They stated that limiting social gatherings to less than 10 people, keeping at least six feet apart and using physical barriers (masks) have significantly slowed transmission of COVID-19 in the U.S. Without temporary restrictions on travel, non-essential shopping and gatherings, the pandemic death toll could have been more staggering.
Experts also warned that removing precautions too quickly could cause a dramatic surge in contagion rates and cause a catastrophic wave similar to the second phase of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, which proved more deadly than the first wave.
Scientists are the public’s “Emergency Alert System.” Just as it would be foolish to ignore an EAS alarm buzzing on television warning of a tornado, flash flood or other disaster, it is irresponsible to discount expert’s pandemic guidelines.
We all have the legal right to not wear a mask (and some folks cannot wear them due to health conditions). We are not, however, entitled to blatantly endanger others. Failing to follow precautions is like carelessly tossing a lit cigarette into a field of dried cheatgrass on a windy Northern Nevada spring day. Regardless of how quickly firefighters respond, there will be needless, preventable destruction.
Hiedi Andersen is a public relations consultant, writer and amateur photographer. She lives in Yerington, NV, and can be contacted at: email@example.com