Imagine if we’re talking about drunk driving. And all the public health messaging was “if you drive drunk, you have a chance of damaging your car or yourself.”

Just that. Just the part that makes it about a person taking their own risk.

People would think about that and make calls. They’d consider how expensive their car is and whether they could afford to fix it. They might think about whether or not they have health insurance. Etc

So we don’t only discuss that. We mention that part. And about fines and penalties. But the public health messaging around it ALSO makes it clear that those personal risks can injure or kill bystanders.

I am begging you, understand this about contagious diseases, too. It isn’t just whether or not you get sick doing what you want. It’s whether all the people you see in the following two weeks are *also* comfortable with the risk you’re taking for yourself.

The retail workers who have to show up because their employers won’t let them file for unemployment at all. Your roommate. Your driver if you call a car service. Someone in an emergency situation who cannot get out of the interactions they’re having.

It is an atrocity that people aren’t being supported to stay home and get their needs met. The government failed us. Is failing us. They’re actively spreading misinformation that has killed over a quarter million people. And we have to look out for each other.

They’re also failing us by leaving out this part of the messaging. That part of taking care of each other can be remembering if you’re going to see people who don’t have much choice in the risks they’re taking.

The hospitals are basically full in MN right now. Please. If you’ve been doing something that seems worth the risk to you to enjoy it? Or something you have to do because you don’t have another option? Remember the other cars on your drive home. Do what you can to protect them.