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Are people taking the coronavirus as seriously as they should?

Deadly worldwide COVID-19 outbreak also has created anxiety and financial hardships

MEMPHIS, Tennessee —

Are people really taking the coronavirus as seriously as they should? Their words say yes, but some of their actions say no.

The global pandemic is on everyone’s mind –and social media feeds– while the crisis is being covered nonstop by national and local news media, as it should. And when we learn celebrities such as Tom Hanks and star athletes like Kevin Durant have tested positive for the virus, that seems to grab our attention even more.

Local and state political leaders are doing the right things by issuing state of emergencies to give the mayor and governor broad powers to do what’s necessary to keep the public safe.

Now others outside of government must follow suit. That means delaying Memphis in May. What’s wrong with "Memphis in September?"

Meanwhile, some places of worship have canceled midweek services Wednesday and will not hold Sunday services this weekend. But others have not. To them I say, be smart, not stubborn. Think about your congregations, not your bottom lines.

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RELATED: A growing list of things are closed, postponed or cancelled in Memphis and the Mid-South

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Despite the low number of confirmed cases locally, this outbreak has created plenty of stress and anxiety, not to mention real financial hardships. What we need is to keep the virus from spreading out of control. What we don’t need are guilt trips about skipping worship services or not toughing it out on the job. We will get through this. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

And that’s my point of view. I’m Otis Sanford, for Local 24 News. 

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