That is our job as journalists – getting the facts. We do our best to find the best sources and get that information to our readers, day after day, week after week, year after year. We aren’t perfect (who is?) and we sometimes make mistakes. If we do misquote someone or state something that isn’t true, we do our best to correct our mistakes in a timely manner.

During this pandemic, journalists around the world have worked hard to provide the public with up-to-date information on many fronts – how many people have contracted COVID-19, where the hot spots are, how to stay safe, how the vaccine search is going, where to get tested, how many have been tested and where, the correct use of masks and whether they are useful, which businesses can open and when, what precautions are businesses putting into place to keep the public safe, and so much more.

During the past month or more, a battle between science and economics has been waged – do we continue to stay the course and let science lead us to end the pandemic, or do we trust that people will do the right thing by distancing themselves from other people while also opening up businesses to put people back to work and stimulate the economy? It is a tough call.

Some people are staying the course, believing in the science, and staying put until the number of cases shows a downward trend. Others are worried about their livelihoods and are taking the chance that, with correct precautions set in place, businesses and getting on with life are the way to go as the summer season draws closer.

It has come down to personal choices and decisions. Some people have chosen “their truth,” after months of getting it from various news sources, and are acting accordingly. We have become a society without patience yet being cautious as well, especially since we are dealing with “a silent enemy” and death could be a result.

We are hoping for the best result and, in the meantime, be true to yourself and stay safe.