To all those who want to claim that COVID-19 is a hoax or just another version of the flu or who want to proclaim your various conspiracy theories or talk about how the percentage of those who get the disease die from it, shut up! I've heard all of your rubbish as much as I can stand--and then some! You anti-maskers are making us sick--literally!
North Carolina set another gruesome record Wednesday: 8,551 new cases of the coronavirus were confirmed, the most yet in a single day. The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 declined slightly--from the record 3,377 on Tuesday to 3,339; but the decline was in part because another 152 North Carolinians died from the disease, which has now claimed 6,729 lives in our state.
Gaston County's number of confirmed positive tests increased to 15,308; the death toll is now 252; and 116 Gaston County residents are hospitalized.
Catawba County's death toll increased to 161; 113 county residents were hospitalized with the virus on Wednesday, as 147 new cases were confirmed.
The problem with the numbers is that they aren't just numbers--they're people, real people, some of whom I know and have known. Ten that I knew have died from this disease. It has claimed the lives of lots of older adults who might have had several more years to enjoy with their families. It has also killed some who were younger and healthy.
On Wednesday evening, Lincoln Charter School held an event called "Shine the Light" to remember and honor Coach Jamie Seitz. He wasn't old; he was healthy until hit by this virus. His wife and children will miss what would likely have been many more years with him.
My own brother, who is indeed old--86 (he'll be 87 Friday if he makes it) is hospitalized with this virus. So, yes, it's personal! I hope you and your family avoid it--even if you choose not to believe the facts that I have presented and continue to present in my reports about this pandemic.
For those who ARE taking this virus seriously: pray, continue to wear your masks (properly, please), observe social distancing, etc., and get vaccinated as soon as you can.
