To the Editor:

I must preface this letter by saying that I tick a number of boxes that make me susceptible to the coronavirus. I limit where and how often I go out.

I plan ahead, wear a mask, socially distance, wash my hands and do all three when in doubt. Most people understand these simple safety precautions and respect others (and themselves) enough to do them.

Unfortunately, there are some that do not. They make no attempt to be responsible. When reminded, they resort to an ignorant remark, or give a look that says the rules don’t apply to me.

They wear their contempt like a badge of honor. In a lot of ways, they are like drunk drivers. Some make it home. Some wind up in a ditch. And some kill people.

Because the vast majority of New Yorkers wear a mask, socially distance, and wash their hands, the state has slowly been able to open for business. This is occurring while other states are closing down for the second time.

Asymptomatic people have the virus, but no symptoms. When this is combined with irresponsible behavior, the potential exists to kill other human beings — just like a drunk driver. I really can’t understand why people behave this way when their own life and livelihood hang in the balance, but it is wrong.

Personally, I am not ready to die and, I assume, neither were the 126,739 souls that died as of this writing.

Bill Goergen

Guilderland