At the most recent Chautauqua County briefing regarding the coronavirus, Dr. Robert Berke issued an educational moment when discussing the uses of masks. Most importantly, Berke said, N95 masks or face shields must be saved for health-care providers, workers and those first-responders.

What masks are residents to use? “The general public can wear homemade cloth masks or bandanas to help slow the spread of COVID-19,” he said. “New data suggests that up to 30% of the population infected with COVID-19 may have no apparent symptoms, but still be spreading the virus. By wearing a homemade mask or bandana when you are out, you will do a community service by protecting everyone else, but you must be aware that they provide very little protection for yourself.”

That’s being a good neighbor.