I am deeply troubled and disappointed that so many people and businesses here in Salisbury are not following either state or federal guidelines regarding our safety with respect to the coronavirus.

Salisbury has many elderly citizens since many, like us, have chosen to retire here and, therefore, we have many people for whom the virus could be a death sentence — especially if they already have compromised immune systems. For this reason, my wife can no longer leave our home and I have to be extremely cautious when I go out.

We pray that a vaccine will be quickly developed and available to all people, starting with those at the highest risk.

We are very fortunate to live in the U.S., but with freedom comes responsibility. When we accepted our stimulus checks, didn’t we implicitly agree to also abide by the federal guidelines for public health and safety? If you don’t want to follow the guidelines, don’t accept your stimulus check or give to someone who needs it and will follow the guidelines.

I understand people needing to work to pay bills and needing to get groceries and other supplies. But can’t we do this without risking the lives of other people by maintaining social distances and wearing masks?

Remember the guidelines were developed to protect not just you, but more importantly the most vulnerable and to ensure our healthcare system would remain intact during this crisis. Please think about others when you go out.

— Fred Krusemark

Granite Quarry