I’ve spent many years analyzing numbers, examining reasons for market changes. I have been following the CDC’s information regarding the breakdown of COVID-19 by age for a while.

For quite some time, approximately 35 percent of COVID cases detected in Mainers have been in people under 30 years old. Recently, we began hearing, both locally and nationally, that young people are indeed susceptible to COVID.

My concern is that fingers have quickly been pointed at youth sports. Having attended several youth sporting events, I have seen almost as much concern for adhering to CDC guidelines as I believe is being exercised in our schools. There is the occasional athlete with his or her mask below their nose, but the officials/coaches get the situation corrected quickly.

Another possible cause of the increase could be kids leaving school each afternoon. Masks are removed, kids are walking in groups and just being kids. I don’t know how to get through to young people, who think they’re invincible. Young people may not feel the full effect of COVID, but they could suffer long-term complications and perhaps spread the disease to a loved one.

Yes, we’ve been through a terrible year but parents may want to have a conversation regarding masks. Maine is doing a great job getting vaccines out and hopefully, in the very near future, we’ll get to the number where we all feel a little safer. But until then, have a conversation. Parents, try to drive home that the end is in sight and masks are part of it.

John Hackett
Kennebunk