I believe it's important to cite those drinking and driving statistics. It's also important to point out that drinking over the legal limit while driving is illegal too, with some pretty steep criminal and civil penalties attached to those who are convicted of violating the law. Equally important is the fact that on average, 29 people are killed every day while drinking and driving--- tragic for sure. However, 1000 people die (on average) every day in this country from Covid-19. That's 35 times more deaths than from drinking and driving every day. Driving under the influence is also, not a contagious disease----one where someone who is infected could pass it on to many, many others. Covid-19 is not like the common cold or the flu. It has been shown to be much more transmissible and many times more lethal than the flu.
As for that NY Times article citing the number of false positives for the virus, that has no impact on the fact that approximately 180,000 Americans are dead from Covid-19 (and counting). Add to this, the thousands of people who have (or had) the virus but are still alive, but who are suffering severe after effects from it.
I get that we are frustrated. I am frustrated. I dearly miss, like you, being able to do the things I used to do before this pandemic struck . I cannot imagine the angst and fear of business owners, bowling alleys, restaurants, theaters and on and on. This is a terrible time for every one of us. Let's all hope that someday soon, that an effective vaccine (s) and therapies can be found to either stamp out this plague or at least to dramatically minimize its effects. Of course there are no guarantees, but let's hope with all of our collective might.
In the meantime, we are going to have to rely on those measures that show that they work in minimizing this virus's spread. This entails wearing a face mask and practicing social distancing when in public. If we fail to do these 2 things, we only further the delay our ability to return to SOME sense of normalcy. Our lives and those of our loved ones depend on it. In addition, we need to pressure our legislators to do all they can in providing a modicum of ongoing economic relief to our families and neighbors who are hurting, as well as to our favorite bowling establishments and the small businesses in each of our communities.
Yes, there is a "cost" in doing this but it's a cost that's worth it. I can think of no better cause.
