To the editor:

In his daily briefing on Friday, Gov. Cuomo fielded a question about the concerns of essential workers in grocery stores when it comes to customers not wearing masks or not properly social distancing. The governor has said that everyone who is not able to social distance must wear a mask in public but admitted it would be impossible to enforce.

In Oneida County, an executive order requiring face masks in all stores and restaurants went into place on Friday at noon. That means businesses will be fined if they let people in without masks.

I urge the elected officials of both Essex and Franklin counties to pass a similar executive order.

Words of wisdom:

I wear a mask in public, not for me, but for YOU. I want you to know that I am educated enough to know that I could be asymptomatic and still give you the virus.

No, I don’t “live in fear” of the virus. I just want to be a part of the solution, not the problem. I don’t feel like the “government is controlling me.” I feel like I’m being a contributing adult to society, and I want to teach others the same.

The world doesn’t revolve around me. It’s not all about me and my comfort. If we all could live with other people’s consideration in mind, this whole world would be a much better place.

Wearing a mask doesn’t make me weak, scared, stupid or even “controlled”; it makes me considerate.

When you think about how you look or how uncomfortable it is or what others think of you, just imagine someone close to you — a father, a mother, grandparent, aunt or uncle choking on a ventilator. Then ask yourself if you could have sucked it up a little for them.

Edward Lis

Lake Placid