TODAY MY COUNTY OF RICE reported its 92nd COVID-related death. That saddens me. I don’t know the identity of this latest individual to die from the virus. But that matters not. What matters is that, to family and friends, this is the loss of a loved one.
That’s something we all need to remember. Ninety-two represents much more than a number added to the growing statistics. It represents a life.
With that said, I need to vent. And if you’re weary of reading about anything COVID-related, then stop reading right now. But I’m frustrated, beyond frustrated.
On Saturday, Randy and I headed to two small towns south of Owatonna. Just to get out of town for a bit. We’ve previously toured both, but several years ago. Driving into rural Minnesota, parking on Main Street and then walking to see what we can find is an adventure.
WHAT MASKS?
Our day trip into these two rural Steele County communities on Saturday proved to be an adventure alright. What we found was absolutely, totally, disheartening. Compliance to Minnesota’s state mask mandate is pretty much non-existent. That left me exiting several businesses—a hardware store and boutiques—before the doors had barely closed behind me. And we’re not talking just customers here without masks. We’re talking owners and employees.
Never mind the signs posted outside these businesses stating that “masks are required.” Why bother? Oh, because the state requires posting of these signs, apparently.
FEELING DISRESPECTED
Here’s how I felt when I saw those business owners and employees without masks. I felt disrespected. I felt unsafe. I felt unwelcome. I felt frustrated. I felt angry. I felt like they didn’t really want my business. And, as much as I wanted to say something to them about my feelings, I didn’t. You never know who’s carrying a gun these days and may harm you if you speak up. So I walked out.
And the thing is, several of those small town boutiques, especially, were inviting little shops filled with merchandise that may have interested me. But I felt uncomfortable from the moment the unmasked shopkeepers greeted me and I turned to make a hasty exit.
BUSINESSES LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Interestingly enough, while Randy was shopping at a popular family-owned meat market in the town a mile off the interstate, he found full mask mandate compliance and even a plexi-glass shield separating cashiers from customers. Plus hand sanitizer. So kudos to that meat market and the local grocery store owner, who was also masked. I observed a woman I’d previously seen, unmasked at the boutique, walk into the meat market wearing a mask. Interesting, huh? A business sets the tone for customer compliance.
This masking issue isn’t a problem unique to small towns. When we returned to Faribault and stopped to pick up a few groceries, I spotted mask-less customers. They are increasing in number. The non-maskers and half-maskers. But at least I don’t see business owners and employees without masks in my community (except at the farm implement dealer). That’s the difference. In the two small towns in Steele County, business owners and employees were without masks. I don’t get it. I just don’t get it. Masks are a scientifically-proven way to prevent spread of COVID-19. Why risk the health of customers? This, what I perceive as selfish and uncaring behavior, left me with a really negative perspective of these two towns. And that’s something no business, no community, needs, especially now.
© Copyright 2021 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Exactly my sentiments Audrey!!
I was very happy to hear from Amber that you’ve gotten your initial vaccines.
Thank you. It really messed up my mammogram, however. I was scheduled for one on the 13th of this month, but was told by my GP that I might get a false positive, so I should wait several weeks after the shots to get the mammo. I see the surgeon for my check up in May, so have changed the mammo to right before I see her. I hope every thing turns out O.K.
That’s important to know about mammograms. Hopefully all will turn out well once you get that test done.
I know how you feel, Audrey. The governor of Texas decided to remove the mask mandate, officially starting on Wednesday here. I think it’s crazy. Just when we seem to be making some progress… It’s disheartening. I guess we must continue to be the voice of reason in this. Take care dear friend and stay safe.
I heard that about Texas and too many other states removing their mask mandates. It makes zero sense. I feel for you, living in a state without a mask mandate.
I worry most about Randy, who faces half-maskers and non-maskers daily at work. Next week a co-worker returns from the big biker rally in Florida. That concerns me. Greatly. We’re so close to getting vaccinated and now Randy faces this new risk at work from a mostly half-masking co-owner. Sigh.
Ohhh, that is frightening. ❤
Yes, it is.
How are you holding out now with the “no masks required” in Texas? That would madden me. I was just out and about yesterday in Faribault and saw so many non-maskers and half-maskers at the grocery store. Every time I saw one, I reversed direction. I don’t understand what’s so darn difficult about wearing a mask and/or wearing it correctly, over both nose and mouth.
It’s a concern, for sure. It was bad enough before, but worse now. I still wear one.
Keep wearing that mask. It’s getting worse in Minnesota, too, and we still have a mandate.
I will. ❤ ❤