So I'm around people who work in ER's a lot, and here's something that's not being appreciated as much as it should:

Yes, they want you to wear a mask and take things seriously. But what's really different about this surge is that without an official lockdown, nurses, doctors, and med techs are feeling like they live in a separate world. And that isn't a good feeling.

Many are quarantining in their own homes, keeping away from their own families. Most are doing their best to isolate so as not to infect others. They're not going out to eat or seeing friends. They're not able to do the things they normally would to de-stress.

But that means that they're basically going through this alone. They work extremely long, difficult shifts where people are sick and dying all the time, and then they isolate at home until they have to do it again. That's a very lonely cycle.

Couple this with the fact that a lot of people seem to think the virus is fake, or that it's not really that bad. The feeling of isolation increases. It can feel very much like no one is listening and no one cares--not just about masks, but about all they have to deal with.

So yes, wear masks, take things seriously, and social distance. But if you know someone who works in a hospital maybe think about giving them a call to check in, and do it regularly if you can.