Commentary: Independence Day amidst COVID-19

By Donley County Judge John Howard, MD

Independence. As Americans we enjoy this blessing as our birthright. Yet, it was not given to us; we earned it. We have sacrificed much to preserve it for almost a quarter of a millennium. Independence is enshrined in our Constitution and embedded in our DNA. And none value independence more than Texans. We celebrate it every year with now familiar events here in Clarendon.

This year’s celebration comes in the midst of our battle against a deadly worldwide pandemic. The battle has seriously challenged our nation and affected every person in the land. Half a million worldwide have perished already. Over 127,000 of those were Americans – more than any other country. While only 2300 of those were Texans, the incidence of disease is on the rise in our state and the Governor on Friday imposed new restrictions on the re-opening of the state.

I am pleased, and proud, to report that our last case in Donley County was on June 3rd. And before that, the last case of community spread was on April 9th. The citizens of our community took seriously the threat which at one time characterized us as the “sickest county in Texas” and gained us some temporary notoriety. And we stopped it! But with cases on the rise around us, and the probability that some folks will come in from out of town, we must continue to exercise reasonable precautions to protect ourselves from further spread here.

Several communities have cancelled their traditional 4th of July celebrations this year. In Clarendon we will have our rodeo, parade, and gathering on the courthouse square. It will look different this year. We will not serve our own barbeque. The crafts will be spread out on the square to permit more distancing in the crowd. And there will be handwashing stations and sanitizer available.

Some of us will need to carefully consider whether we should be in a large gathering of people – where we know the virus spreads more easily. Those of us who are more vulnerable to serious problems from the virus (over 60 years old, heart, lung or kidney problems, diabetes, obesity, immune system disease – to name a few) will need to weigh the risk. All who attend should exercise well known prudent precautions to prevent contracting or spreading the virus. Wearing a mask reduces such risk when you will be closer than six feet from others. I know it is hard, but we really don’t need to shake hands and hug each other this year – and when we forget that, don’t forget the hand sanitizer.

Remember that the disease can be spread by those who have no symptoms or very mild symptoms. If you are serious about avoiding the virus then you also need to avoid close contact with those who have been in a crowd. The incubation period after exposure is around 4-5 days but can be up to 11 days. And those who contract the illness can continue to shed the virus for 3-4 weeks. While we may feel that we are at low risk from the virus ourselves, we must consider the impact of spreading to others. Ultimately it is the responsibility of each individual to protect themselves. Responsibility – the all-important corollary to Independence.

However you choose to celebrate our Independence I urge you all to have a great, and safe, weekend. And remember those who have provided it as our legacy. God Bless America.