Listen. I am definitely a worrier and a contingency planner. It is what makes me well suited to a career in anesthesia. But, for those who refused to consider worrying or “living in fear” of covid citing its “low mortality rate” I would like to present a few things to consider:

1. Mortality is only one aspect of suffering. Morbidity is vast and infinite. Pay attention to both to properly consider the risks you are willing to take for yourself and others.

2. When hospitals and resources are stretched to their limits, quality and availability of care decreases.

3. When healthcare workers are sick, burned out, or morally depleted; availability, safety, and quality of care decreases.

4. When ICUs are overwhelmed with covid, there is less ability to care for patients needing cardiac, transplant, neuro, or other major surgery. There is less room to have the misfortune of getting critically ill.

5. Given the above, the risk with other things having a “higher mortality rate” than covid 19 will increase.

6. This pandemic is making us globally sick whether you believe in covid or not. You can’t will it away. It doesn’t go away when you close your eyes. Don’t open them too late.

7. Being a good citizen and good neighbor sometimes requires belief, listening, and sacrifice. Reading this may not matter to you, but if it does... that may matter to a whole lot of other people. Psssst: Helping feels good.