We have, in general, given the benefit

of the doubt to those who are

siding with caution in the battle against

COVID-19. Health experts and political

leaders, such as Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz,

are doing the best they can to weather the

storm. We believe they are acting with sincerity

and concern.

But it is difficult sometimes to absorb the

view of the devastation that anti-COVID

measures have had on the rest of life. Especially

as the same experts who urge caution

have said that for most people the virus

causes only mild symptoms that run their

course and are done.

In a similar vein, we keep hearing about

how precautions are only necessary until

there is a vaccine. Yet such a breakthrough

may or may not materialize. Even if it does,

it may not be readily available until spring

or summer of 2021. How much economic

ruination will occur in the meantime? How

many businesses and jobs will be lost forever?

How many lives ruined?

People may argue that saving lives right

now in the fight against COVID is what

matters most. But this triage could devastate

many lives for years to come. It will

lead to depression, drug and alcohol abuse,

suicides and other devastating outcomes,

such as undiagnosed diseases from missed

medical visits.

We noticed a recent statistic of 5 million

known cases of COVID-19 in the United

States, with an estimate that the actual

number is 10 times as high. That means 50

million people — of a population of 330

million — already have faced the virus.

How long until the number is 100 million?

200 million? Everyone? And when that

happens, will “precautions” even matter

anymore? Will they end?