Count me among the millions of Americans who didn’t know you should wash between your fingers while washing your hands. I’m among the 40% elite who haven’t combed or brushed their hair every day since the pandemic, and in a much smaller group of those who wear a mask in public.

When asked, “Are you going to be afraid all of your life?” I was caught off guard.

I felt challenged, and think I said it was because of my age, and breathing issues.

But afraid?

Yes.

“You’re only protecting others by wearing a mask,” she said.

So if everyone wore a mask in public we’d all be safer, I thought, but didn’t say.

Was it fear of losing her company that kept me from speaking up?

Maybe.

Probably.

Unsure.

But I am sure that none of us is bullet-proof when it comes to COVID-19, and since we’ve relaxed our safeguards that’s why the numbers have increased nationwide, statewide and communitywide.

Many businesses don’t require their employees to wear masks now, and social-distancing at some businesses and public meetings have gone by the wayside.

Usually when people see me with my mask at stores and they aren’t wearing one they are courteous and avoid me. Sometimes when people venture out we forget and automatically shake hands, or hug someone.

We want everything to be back to normal, but it’s not.

Some say the reason our state numbers keep going up is because testing is more available, but medical experts say it’s because we’ve opened up more businesses, and are going out more.

State numbers in the age groups affected have also changed. No more is it the 65-and-over age group the highest with the virus.

The June 16 state health department statistics show 8,645 cases within these age groups: 18-35 years old, 29.96%; 36-49 years old, 22.04%; 65 years-plus, 21.30%; 50-64 years, 20.08%; 05-17 years, 5.10%, and 0-4 years, 1.62%.

Everyone is vulnerable to the virus, and right now our only armor is to wear a mask, social distance, and stay at home. It sounds so easy, but it isn’t.

Maybe it’s good to be afraid, and even a little paranoid right now, if it keeps us safe.

So I’ll keep washing my hands the right way, wear a mask and social distance in public, but cannot promise I’ll brush my hair and change my clothes every day, or even every other day.