"Einstein insanity" is defined as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. With the rate of COVID-19 infections in the state rising to its highest levels since the start of the pandemic, insanity is the only word I can come up with to describe the inability of a segment of our population who steadfastly refuse to take this dire situation seriously. 

You would think that the warnings from doctors and scientists regarding the Omicron variant of COVID-19 would make members of the public take steps to protect themselves and loved ones during the holiday season, such as wearing a mask, following social distancing guidelines, and getting vaccinated. Unfortunately, the opposite has been the case, and we are now paying the price. As of this writing, the state’s COVID-19 positivity rate is high as 20 percent.

As we end another year living with the pandemic, it is insane that people continue to debate and argue over wearing masks when we know that proper mask use offers the best protection against COVID-19. No matter the public indoor setting, you’re guaranteed to witness people either improperly wearing a mask or not wearing a mask at all, which only exacerbates an already dire health care crisis. 

Scientists and doctors state that only masks with level 2 (three layer) or level 3 (four layer) protection should be used. Masks made of cloth, as well as single-layer protection masks, should be discarded. It's also critical that the mask covers the nose and the mouth; people should not let their guard down by not using the facial protection as directed. 

The selfishness and unwillingness of some people to respect their health and the health of their neighbors is the primary cause for the spike in COVID-19 cases; this self-inflicted damage to our way of life must come to an end. If we continue with the pattern of insanity, we can expect to start the New Year with more infections, hospitalizations, and fatalities.

Please wear a mask...please.