A healthcare worker takes information from a person at a Covid-19 testing center on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, in Pleasanton, Calif. (AP Photo\/Ben Margot)<\/p>\n
Scientists have determined that there are people who are infected with COVID-19 but may not know it that is, they may not have symptoms. Such people are called carriers and are as capable of spreading the virus as a person in the hospital.<\/p>\n
As an example of the effect a carrier can have on others, consider that it is estimated that some 20 million Native Americans died from smallpox in the years after 1492. Carried to America by just a few conquistadors and their slaves, it was deadly to people who had never been exposed to it. However, scientists have found that if the carriers of COVID-19 were to wear face masks their ability to spread the virus would be greatly reduced.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, there are some people who believe that they have the right to refuse to wear a mask. And Gov. Mike Parson is refusing to issue an order to make them mandatory. In my opinion, the irresponsibility of certain individuals is being compounded by the governors negligent disregard.<\/p>\n
What people who refuse to wear a mask need to understand is that masks are for the protection of others. They do not have the freedom to be irresponsible; their freedom ends when it could harm others. Those who refuse to wear a mask might as well be playing Russian roulette with their friends, family and neighbors.<\/p>\n
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Letter: Refusing to wear a mask is like playing Russian roulette - STLtoday.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A healthcare worker takes information from a person at a Covid-19 testing center on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, in Pleasanton, Calif. (AP Photo\/Ben Margot) Scientists have determined that there are people who are infected with COVID-19 but may not know it that is, they may not have symptoms. Such people are called carriers and are as capable of spreading the virus as a person in the hospital Continue reading