The headcount of people who still care about the negative impact of the coronavirus seems to be dwindling every day. As cases worsen, cold weather creeps in and the holiday season invites us to spend time with families and friends, it’s important – now more than ever – to listen to scientists and follow COVID-19 protocol. 

As hard as that may be, having dealt with this pandemic for almost a year now, no one should be allowed to casually move through life like these COVID-19 restrictions don’t apply to them. Others have been stuck at home, trying in vain to slow the spread. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link and a virus only needs one super-spreader event to infect people and take lives.

Michael Osterholm, one of the 12 members of a COVID-19 advisory board appointed by President-elect Joe Biden, suggested that shutting down businesses and supplementing incomes for four to six weeks while waiting for a vaccine will help control the virus’ spread and resuscitate our economy. 

While this proposal will no doubt receive pushback, I see the merit. On Nov. 12, The New York Times reported over 160,000 new coronavirus cases in one day, toppling the previous record of 100,000 set only eight days prior. 

But it doesn't matter what some scientist or politician said. Sadly, it is extremely clear who this virus is truly impacting and who it isn’t. Take Kendall Jenner’s packed 25th birthday party that allegedly saw 100 attendees, as an example. As she blew out her candles, the servers holding her cake wore face masks and shields, dodging her breath as she made a birthday wish. 

I feel bad for the people hired to serve at a super-spreader event like this. With our economy crumbling, it’s probably difficult to turn down a paying job, even if it means putting yourself at risk. Even though Jenner has the means to test party attendees days before, in addition to offering rapid tests on-site, this still breaks several Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols that everyone is supposed to follow. Yes, you too, Kendall. 

The blame often falls on celebrities, but it’s not just the Hollywood elite that are breaking COVID-19 guidelines. Last Saturday, Nov. 7, thousands of students in Indiana crammed the football field, many without masks or improperly worn masks, after the University of Notre Dame defeated Clemson University. It made my skin crawl, watching this happen live on television. I’ve become scared just watching videos of large gatherings that I’m not even in attendance for.

I even see friends or classmates on Instagram breaking social distancing protocols, despite case numbers surging – an 80% increase over the past two weeks.

The coronavirus is clearly not taken seriously anymore. I am constantly racking my brain for an explanation to this intentional disregard for a virus that has taken so many lives and impacted so many people: families, the working class, essential workers, healthcare providers. Yet, some people float through life somehow unscathed by COVID-19. What’s not clicking?

The common thread is that certain people just don’t care, because they have the means not to care. 

Whether it’s their strong immune systems, jobs that allow them to work from home or wealth that funds constant COVID-19 testing, their youth puts them less at risk. 

The “we’re in this together” sentiments have turned more into “every man for themselves.” Concerns for the health and safety of yourself and others are fading away like yesterday’s problem. We all want to go back to normal. We can – when it’s safe to do so. 

Now is not the time to cut corners just because you don’t feel like wearing a mask or social distancing. Not everyone is fortunate enough to choose.