Bob Joseph, Jr. : Not wearing masks puts us all at risk

Melanie Grasso's recent letter, in perspective, presents grave misinformation which contributes to this pandemic spreading. She sorely needs this education. I do care, first for my community, state, and our country. I agree with her on one comment. NH does have one of the lowest rates per capita in the country, at the present. This is due to the dedication of many in NH who faithfully wear the masks creating the strong safety net we enjoy.

The evidence shows: where this virus is wildly out of control is due to non-compliance to mask use, social distancing; ignorant opening of social venues too quickly; ignorance of a governor in Alabama attempting to overrule the safety of its citizens by indicating he makes the mandates; even with increased testing, the death rates in multiple states have already exceeded death and daily infection rates, within the affected states; especially among young people; there is a significant reason for requiring masks. Getting a grip on reality needs to start with people like Ms. Grasso, and further needs to be done by our severely mentally ill Trump. Mr. Dennis Rancourt is not a recommended source, as Dr. Fauci already has demonstrated. He is blatantly ignorant with his comments contributing to the growing and severe pandemic. The evidence further supports that the increase in the number of cases is not due to increased testing; the increase is due to the actual impact of this virus itself.

No mask is designed to block viruses. When two or more people wear them, the evidence shows the risks are reduced multiple times. Other major diseases are worsened by this virus. The evidence supports that significant permanent physical damages have occurred from this virus, such as reduced lung capacity, higher risk for clotting, and impacting on other diseases. The source, "Ms. Howard," may be correct. With a reduction in mask use, we are on a pace this virus could cause deaths of untold proportions among all ages. If unabated, we could approach millions, as happened in 1918.

It is not a matter of corporate narratives, nor is it a matter of party affiliation. It is a matter of social responsibility to take seriously to reduce the COVID19's impact. Those who do not, commit attempted murder, and should be held accountable. Their proposal is live free to die. Even our own governor indicated this virus will return. Mr. Sununu recommends these basic means to keeping the impacts to a minimum. Wake up folks. Wear that mask. Yours and our lives are in all our hands.

Being a retired registered nurse, a multiple myeloma patient (currently stable), Ms. Grasso's comments are dangerous, and misguided, guaranteed to worsen the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bob Joseph, Jr. Candidate for State Rep. New Hampton