By definition, to sacrifice means to give up something you want to gain or maintain something else you value.
As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, the spirit of sacrifice should be our guiding principle in our efforts to conquer the coronavirus.
Right now, COVID-19 cases are surging across the US. We continue to shatter new daily records for infections and death, losing an average of 1,500 Americans a day. And in Maryland, an estimated one in 33 residents is infected.
Stemming the tide of this pandemic is going to require urgent action. And while a problem of this magnitude doesn't have one single fix, there is one thing we can all do to take control the spread:
It's called sacrifice.
If you're anything like me, you look forward to holidays and quality time with loved ones and friends. But this year is different.
This year, nearly 250,000 Americans have lost their lives to COVID-19– including more than 4,400 people across our state. Hospital ICUs and morgues in many parts of the country are near or beyond capacity. The record number of hospitalizations is taking a toll on both the healthcare system and our front line heroes.
We know that family and social gatherings (as innocent as they may seem) fuel the surge in cases by driving up transmission rates. So this Thanksgiving, and over the next few weeks, I'm urging vigilance.
I stand with our state and local leaders in encouraging Marylanders to avoid large gatherings and non-essential travel. For those who are able to safely spend time with their immediate family members, take the necessary steps to protect yourself and the people you love. Wear a mask, wash your hands, and get tested. The CDC has outlined steps you can take to reduce your risk of infecting a loved one and other measures to lessen the possibility of a community outbreak.
For those of you postponing travel and staying home, please know that your sacrifice is one that will help us slow the spread, protect the most vulnerable, save those we love, and those serving on the front line.
As a husband, father, and grandfather I empathize with those who will be missing out on family time and craving hugs from the ones you love most. I also sympathize with those who will never get to hug their loved ones again because of lives cut short by the virus.
To meet the needs of this moment we all have to give something up. Be it our family time, our traditions, or turkey dinners, it's going to cost us emotionally and financially, and it won't be easy. But until a vaccine is readily available, it is our best hope in preventing more mass death.
I am hopeful that the sacrifices we make today will enable us to safely come together in-person next holiday season - and hopefully much, much sooner.
Until then I thank you for your vigilance, and I wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and safe (and socially-distant) Thanksgiving holiday.