Coronavirus and 2020 have undoubtedly changed life as we know it. There is a new sense of normal. Part of this new normal is resisting the urge to party in packs and not inviting friends to your home for indoor gatherings.  

The summertime and warm weather allowed us a brief hiatus to get out and about. It’s been proven that being outside with masks and socially distanced, there is little risk of contracting the Corona Virus. However, as we are making the turn into fall, temperatures are dropping, and all those outdoor festivities are moving back inside. I applaud businesses for doing their best to adapt and keep the public safe, but not everyone is continuing to take the proper precautions. 

In the case of Wisconsin, there are a plethora of avenues and restaurants that have violated laws and Governor Evers’ mandates. As a result, many have been sanctioned and fined for improper protocols regarding mask wearing and social distancing. This is outside of the direct defiance of Governor Evers orders to reduce indoor capacity to 25%. I encourage everyone todo their research and in turn, avoid these establishments. The Journal Sentinel, WISN, WTMJ, FOX6, and local subreddits, all have information regarding closed and fined restaurants. If you are interested in supporting local businesses, there are endless amounts of carry out options. 

I encourage all young people to take more responsible actions, catch yourself from making poor choices and assess your decisions, by the impact to not only yourself, but to those you are in contact with.  We must hold ourselves accountable and Focus on what you can do to stay safe in these uncertain times.  If you have to go out; think, decide and act: wear a mask, have hand sanitizer, and be mindful of yours and others personal space by maintaining social distance. Still, your best course of action is to Relax and STAY HOME. It is annoying and at times difficult, but the consequence of not taking Coronavirus seriously could be detrimental to you and catastrophic to our nation. 

My peers, friends and family all know me as a very sociable person, and as result 2020 has been increasingly difficult. I personally haven’t stepped foot inside some of my favorite establishments in many months. I can’t help but feel like I’m missing out, but truth be told, I’m not. WE AREIN THIS TOGETHER and many of my friends are taking the same precautions and STAYING HOME.

With Halloween landing on a Saturday night and right around the corner, I'm scared we will see another spike in cases. I’m imploring everyone to make smart choices and to resist the urge to party for one night, so that we can party for many more nights in the future. I HAVE BEEN WEARING A MASK ANDEATING CANDY FOR 7 MONTHS NOW, I THINK WE CAN SKIP HALLOWEEN THIS YEAR! STAYHOME!

‍