Letter: COVID long-hauler asks public to help slow spread during pandemic

The effects of COVID-19 often go beyond the initial onset of infection.

For many, taking safety measures has been a second thought. And for many people both healthy and unhealthy, COVID has not been a serious issue. But for many this is not the case.

As a COVID-long hauler, I have been concerned with the apathy some have shown for many of the public health measures and regulations.

I am a young adult who will later this year (along with members of my family) have dealt with life-changing health issues for two years since we contracted COVID-19 in 2020.

Currently, I am an online college student studying for an integrative B.A. in intercultural studies and psychology.

For those who have not seriously been affected by COVID it is easy to dismiss it, which I have seen particularly among the younger generations.

This community is very pro-life on issues such as abortion, which is a blessing, but I have in recent years wished there would be emphasis on protecting life during this pandemic.

I believe it would be beneficial to give more voice to those who are dealing with chronic issues after contracting this disease and encouraging public sentiment to be aware of this current issue at hand.

With the regulations being lifted, I only ask for people to take personal interest and responsibility in their actions to slow the spread of the disease and be sensitive to those who have been seriously affected either by the loss of a loved one or changes to their own life because of the long-term effects the disease has had on them.

I write on the behalf of the vulnerable within this community; and as someone who has lived most of my life here, I wish for the best interest of all those who live in this beautiful community.

Joy Fawks, Millersburg

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Pro-life? Then help others by taking COVID precautions seriously