Wear a mask, beat the virus, help the economy

Montana is in grave danger of missing a rare opportunity to demonstrate to the rest of the country how to reopen the economy and prevent resurgence of the COVID virus.

We were blessed early in the pandemic with strong leadership from our Governor and public health officials whose decisive actions minimized Montana’s cases of the virus. We are also in the enviable position of being one of very few states who have enough public health support to adequately track cases and quarantine close contacts, critical measures in limiting spread of the virus. We also have ample outdoor areas in which to socially distance.

With reopening, however, many Montanans are behaving as if we have no COVID in our beloved state. Lack of masking, and disregard for social distancing are rampant in our communities and, sadly, even encouraged by some businesses. This lackadaisical behavior puts everyone at risk needlessly.

The single most impactful measure to reduce viral spreading is masking. Frequent hand washing or use of hand sanitizer and avoiding touching your face are also important. While we are on the subject, don’t share food or drink and remember that alcohol may loosen your inhibitions causing you to disregard social distancing.

Why are people reluctant to mask? Multiple, if silly, excuses abound.

Masks aren’t becoming. Think of how great you will look on a ventilator.

Masks are cumbersome to wear. Everyone who has ever had to adapt to eyeglasses says the same thing. You’ll get used to it.

Masks make eating and drinking difficult. These are impossible tasks when you are on a ventilator because you are unable breathe on your own.

Masks make it more difficult to talk. Speak more slowly and perhaps a bit louder. Surgeons and other medical providers have been communicating successfully while wearing masks for decades.

There is a myth circulating that the increase in cases is due to the seasonal influx of tourists. That is a false assumption. In fact tourism accounts for very few of the current cases in Montana. Most are from community spread, or

Montanans traveling out of state and returning infected. Montanans are infecting Montanans. Don’t blame the tourists; we are at fault.

Because Montanans have not embraced safe social distancing, cases are surging. As a result, masks should be mandated in public places. This protects vulnerable members of the community and the mask wearer alike. We are familiar with other regulations such as not driving while intoxicated or impaired, wearing a seat belt, following traffic laws, using a child safety seat, and completing a hunter safety course. These regulations protect us and our loved ones from ourselves. Masking is no different.

Fewer cases means a more active state economy. Fewer cases means fewer of us will go through the agonizing experience of watching someone we care about become critically ill and, in some cases, die. Fewer cases means fewer of us will have the horrible experience of unwittingly infecting a person close to us who then becomes seriously ill or dies. Montana, let’s show the rest of the country how it can be done. Wash your hands! Wear your mask! Wear it while working, shopping, socializing, and always when indoors in public places. Yes, that means the bar and the gym. Help remind each other to practice social distancing and together we can save lives and protect our economy. We love our state. Let’s love each other as well.

—Dr. Suzanne Daniell Hildner has practiced internal medicine in the Flathead Valley for over 25 years. She lives in Whitefish.