Back on April 22, I had written an editorial expressing my gratefulness that our area had not been hit harder by the COVID-19 pandemic.
At that time, Wright County had just nine reported cases while nearby Texas County and Douglas County had yet to report a single COVID-19 case in their counties. I also noted that three of the Missouri’s counties reporting zero cases at that time surrounded Wright County. I think all of us felt a little sheltered and thankful for the lack of coronavirus cases in the spring. Fast forward five months and there is no denying that COVID-19 has made its way to the Wright County area and left its mark. This was really evident last week with the state website tracking COVID-19 cases listing Wright County as the No. 1 county for percentage increases in cases during a seven day period. The graphic with this column shows Wright County has a 55% surge in cases, going up from 135 to 209 in a seven day cycle. Meanwhile, nearby Texas County went up 32%, from 197 to 260 and Howell County was at No. 8, increasing from 384 to 479 total cases.
There are many skeptics in our area as to what exactly COVID-19 is. Many feel it’s just a flu that the government and health officials are scaring us all with when it comes to data and the caution being taken that has affected our daily lives.
Regardless, people are getting sick, schools are changing schedules, games are being canceled, families are being quarantined, employees are being quarantined and all of our lives are being affected daily by the effects of this pandemic.
Regardless of where you stand on the issue, this graphic is very telling. These cases are spreading and, by now, most of us know at least one person who has battled the virus. May each of us wear masks when we can, practice good hygiene, and if we think we are sick, just be sure to isolate from others. Odds are right now you could be battling COVID-19 as the test may be positive, whether you think you have it or not. We will all get through this together and as I remind myself, this too shall pass, perhaps like a kidney stone, but it will pass.
