Manataba Messenger

Page 9 Love My Neighbor In the last few months, we have heard and seen many changes in our little world here in Parker. People wearing masks on their faces, stay at home orders, scary news of too many bodies for mortuaries to man- age, no swimming, fishing, picnics at the river. As of today, there are 474 confirmed cases in La Paz County and although fewer than that need hospitaliza- tion, it’s easy to think that it’s not going to worsen, but it can, but this depends on us to keep making the right decisions. Extensive testing has now revealed that more than half of the people who test positive did not have any signs of being sick! They are “carriers” of the virus and spread the flu to others. So, you or I could have the virus, but not be sick, but we could make other people ill-even if we don’t ever get sick. I have heard several people say that they are ready to die from the virus; it may be their “time.” It’s not a crime to kill yourself, so no harm is done by not obey- ing an ordinance or advice to wear a mask if it only harms you. However, it is against the law to kill or harm others. It is the civil responsibility of each of us to protect others. If I wear a covering over my nose and mouth, and on my hands, I can’t spread the virus to you. When I wear a mask and gloves, I protect YOU, and your neighbor who has diabetes, and your elder friend who had a stroke last year, and your grandchild who has asthma. The advice and ordinance to wear a mask and gloves protect others around you, and their families and neighbors. Where are the places most likely to contract the virus? Bathrooms-touching wetted faucet handles that turn off the water after washing hands— (so use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the bathroom door). Another place is the checkout stand at a store, where a stream of people have been, any one of whom possibly left tiny droplets in my path, or on the debit machine, or on the hands of the clerk—(stay as far away as possible from others, and the clerk, wearing a mask and gloves will protect them and you). Take precautions when you visit the elderly, those with medical conditions like obesity, asthma, diabetes, etc. Leave items for them outside their door and speak to them by phone and/or video chat.There are some very cool programs like Zoom that allow for video chatting between groups of people. If you work or volunteer at a place where people come and go, use sanitizer or a mix of 5T bleach in a gallon of water, or 75-90% alcohol to clean doorknobs, light switches, bathrooms, kitchen areas hourly. Keep the six-foot distance from those around you, and wear masks and gloves. I appreciate that I live within the boundaries of a reser- vation where the Tribal Council set down rules that protect me, whether or not I am a Tribal Member. Thank you, CRIT Tribal Council, for your courage. None of us want ever to realize that we may have infected someone, that we were the cause of their suf- fering and lonely death in a hospital ward. Show your love for your neighbor, wear a mask, and gloves out- side of your home and family. At the minimum, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Guest Columnist In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us. - Flora Edwards