EDITOR'S NOTE | Toni DeRosa:

This is not about who is “afraid” or “not afraid” -- this is about what kind of human being you are.

--First of all, I wear a mask in public, not for me, but for [begin ital]you[END ITAL].

--I want you to know that I am educated enough to know that I could be asymptomatic and still give you the virus.

--No, I don’t live in fear” of the virus; I just want to be a part of the solution, not the problem.

--I don’t feel like the “government is controlling me.” I feel like I’m being a contributing adult to society, and I want to teach others the same.

--The world doesn’t revolve around me. It’s not all about me and my comfort.

We need to protect all of those around us, please!

--If we all could live with other people’s consideration in mind, this whole world would be a much better place.

--Wearing a mask doesn’t make me weak, scared, stupid or even “controlled.” It makes me considerate.

I went to two supermarkets in town this past Saturday and noticed more than half the people were not wearing masks. I’m not being judgmental, but for all our protection, people, please consider wearing a mask to protect not only yourself but others.

However, I am happier following the rules.

Unless you have been tested for the COVID-19 virus, you don’t know if you have it or have had it. You could be a carrier.

One of the stores I visited has painted footsteps near the business window and signs instructing shoppers which direction they should enter each aisle in order to avoid crowding and bumping into others while shopping; however, this didn’t go as planned because in several aisles, people were entering the wrong way.

It is time for us to be considerate to everyone, practice our manners and to do our part to help stop this pandemic from continuing to spread.

Thank you to all you mask wearers for protecting everyone.

Toni DeRosa is editor of the Wasco Tribune. The opinions expressed are those of the writer, and not necessarily those of the paper or its management.