As an author, I have a vested interest in keeping my readers safe and healthy so they can continue to enjoy my books. The following story is offered in that spirit:

A friend of mine was taking an in-person class held in a large lecture hall last month.

Because there were just 15 people in the class—and it was easy to stay 15- or even 20-feet apart—most of the students took their masks off once they were seated.

Two weeks in, one student tested positive for COVID. In the days that followed, 11 of the 14 remaining also tested positive.

My friend—whose wife insisted he keep his mask on the whole time—was one of the three who didn’t.