For months now, public health officials have been repeating the same messages: wear masks, socially distance, sanitize hands and surfaces. But at an October 21st health briefing, Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm looked back to the Greatest Generation, which united to overcome economic depression and world war, to talk about a mindset to help us during COVID.
“We’re at a time again when there’s a need for all of us to work together toward a common goal. A time to really think about the value of tolerating some personal inconveniences and desires to address a major threat to our entire state and, indeed, our entire country,” said Malcolm
Her words took on greater urgency as both North Dakota and Wisconsin scramble to deal with out-of-control COVID spread. Minnesota hasn’t reach that point—yet. Which is why the commissioner stressed the opportunity, provided by the challenge of COVID, for Minnesotans to do their part.
“The decision to not stay home when you’re ill, to not get tested, or to go to a gathering, to not wear a mask, isn’t just about you. It’s about all of us. It’s about the entire state and what kind of next few months we’re going to have. Now more than ever we need literally all of us to be part of making these personal, individual efforts to keep every other Minnesotan safe,” said Malcolm