14 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • SEPTEMBER 2020
POINT OF VIEW
SECOND WAVE
DON’T START SLACKING
BY TIMOTHY BOLGER
Editor In Chief
I may not be old enough to remember the
1918 flu pandemic, but after a decade of
covering the opioid epidemic, I’m beginning
to get the sensation of deja vu about
the coronavirus pandemic.
When news broke in 2008 that heroin had
made a comeback and was increasingly
claiming young lives on Long Island, the
flood of stories on the topic had a narcoticizing
effect, which is a common side
effect of media coverage. People either
become apathetic to the issue, or think
that since an issue got press attention,
the underlying problem must have been
solved. But despite more than a decade of
drug crisis coverage — and yes, prevention,
enforcement, and treatment efforts
— the scourge persists, mutating from
heroin, to prescription painkillers, and
most recently, fentanyl.
Complacency has proved deadly. We became
accustomed to life in the deadliest
drug crisis in American history, despite
the president declaring it a public health
emergency three years ago. Now, the pandemic
inducted isolation, interruption in
rehabilitation services, and ensuing economic
stress are exacerbating the opioid
crisis this year.
We’re at a similar crossroads with
COVID-19. The public was sick of hearing
about it in March. Six months later, they’re
really tired of pandemic news, and public
fights over masks are commonplace. But
despite progress made in reducing the
infection rate so most businesses could
reopen, with experts warning of the
likelihood of a second wave this fall, now
is not the time to throw away the masks
and hand sanitizer.
Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, told WebMD last month that
if Americans don’t follow the guidance,
the coming season could be "the worst fall,
from a public health perspective, we've
ever had."
Love him or hate him, Gov. Andrew Cuomo
proved correct when he predicted that
after New York State cases peaked, there
would be a ripple effect across the nation.
He too warns of what’s next, and the lack
of urgency on the part of some who aren’t
following the guidance.
“Complacency is the issue because we are
very much in the midst of it,” the governor
said.
I’ve seen this movie before. Change the
antagonist from drugs to a virus and —
spoiler alert! — there will be no happy
ending. But it’s not over yet. We still have
our chance to continue to do our part to
stop the spread. Don’t blow it.
“Now is not the time to throw away the masks
and hand sanitizer.”
55575 Main Road, Southold
55575 Main Road, Southold
Family owned and operated craft butcher
market and old school deli located among the
vineyards and salt water on the North Fork of
Long Island, New York. We o er our customers
only the best quality, homemade, hearty food,
and USDA prime-aged craft butcher cuts for
over 50 years. We take pride in our customer’s
bragging rights. Your personal farm-to-table
all-American craft butcher.
Tues-Thurs: 6am-3pm | Fri-Sat: 6am-5pm
Monday Sun – 6am-Saturday,3pm ( closed 6 am –Mon)
5 pm Sunday, 6 am – 4 pm
631 765 3575 l www.southoldwaysidemarket.com
631 765 3575 | southoldwaysidemarket.com
Curb Side Available All Day - Daily Grocery Delivery
ONLINE ORDERING
COMING SOON!
Visit Us For Our Sept And Fall Specials!
Vineyard Trips With Prepared Foods-Grab And Go Meals
From The Butcher Our Delicious And Famous Stews, Roasts and Soups
Be Here For Our Annual "October-fest”
/www.southoldwaysidemarket.com
/LONGISLANDPRESS.COM
/www.southoldwaysidemarket.com
/southoldwaysidemarket.com
