Isn't it time to show a little gratitude for those who have played important roles during the pandemic?

The last few months have been challenging for Americans, including those in McHenry County. But through it all, there are people who have performed important roles despite increased risks. These are the first responders, the nurses, doctors, and caregivers.

While many of us have ‘sheltered in place,’ these brave Americans have gone about their duties. They deserve our respect and appreciation. Hopefully, the threat of COVID-19 is diminishing sufficiently that we can all get back to work. Hopefully, we can soon return to normalcy. But we shouldn’t forget those who stepped up at this time of dire need.

Police have little choice but to respond to a call, even though they may run into someone who has coronavirus when they get there. If there’s a fire, firemen don’t stop to ask if the virus is waiting at the other end of that call; they get in their trucks and they go.

Paramedics respond as instantly with the coronavirus threat as they did without it. They may have to provide emergency care and transportation for someone with the disease. They’ll have to come into contact with that person, to some degree. But they do it anyway.

Nurses and doctors have to care for people who might have the virus. On the other hand, when someone comes down with COVID-19, they need the care of doctors and nurses. Medical practitioners have to expose themselves to the disease in more direct ways than most of us can imagine.

Caregivers, such as those working in nursing homes, have to look after people who, on the one hand, my have the virus and, on the other hand, are less able to fight off coronavirus than the general population.

In all these cases, along with the risks, extra precautions are required. These add an additional burden to roles that are already often stressful and difficult. McHenry County is blessed to have people among us who have the courage to meet this challenge.