I just read an article about how across Europe, where nightclubs have been shuttered since June, illegal raves have been taking place outside cities…and subsequently, the covid numbers are rising. My initial reaction? I confess: schadenfreude: See? We’re not the only ones screwing things up royally. We love to blame our gormless leaders, who’re caving to their respective right-wing fundy populations, but the rest of us haven’t been paragons either.
While I’m not in the “masks are decoration” camp, I’m not strict
about wearing one either: Over the holidays I had a few people in my house, and
none of us masked. Likewise, I visited one other home, and didn’t mask, as didn’t
the residents. These weren’t parties or gatherings – they were simply meetings
lasting around 15 minutes, but still: Strictly speaking, I, at least, should’ve
masked, as I do whenever I enter a retail establishment (I don’t go anywhere
else during lockdown).
We have to face it: The only countries that are keeping
their numbers down are the Asian countries, where the citizens mask
consistently, nearly without exception. Then I recalled a podcast about DMV
workers getting drivers to sign up for organ donor cards. The DMV in Michigan
organized a competition among DMV teams, rewarding teams with the highest
monthly numbers of donor cards signed with prizes.
Maybe that’s what’s needed regarding covid: Make it a
competition! Award prizes to all residents of locales with the lowest numbers
in the state, province, or country, whichever makes sense. Post the rankings
online in real time. Pump everyone up, get everyone into the spirit of the
thing. Dorky idea? Does anyone have a better one? The stick hasn’t worked. Why
not try the carrot?
