What else needs to be done?

What other steps need to be taken?

How many cases need to be confirmed?

How many deaths need to be counted?

What else needs to be said before we as a society begin to believe this virus, this threat, is not a hoax? What else needs to be said before we as a society begin to heed the warnings of the experts, the doctors, and change our ways?

These are the questions many government leaders and health officials are asking as they set forth one restriction after another.

In the past two weeks, we have seen measures taken by local, state and federal governments that started off with strong suggestions and urgings that have now moved to orders and potential fines and jail time.

We have been asked to follow social distancing guidelines to “flatten the curve” to orders now to shelter in place.

Businesses have moved from suggested ways of operating safely to government-mandated rules limiting the number of questions and ordered changes to the way some can even operate.

So much has changed in recent weeks that has made it seem far longer.

But, if we continue to not abide by these suggestions and orders, these weeks of curfews, restrictions and closures will stretch on and on.

And worse, if we continue to disregard the warnings of the experts, we will not only see the days of restrictions mount, we will see the number of confirmed cases and deaths mount.

Not only can we not afford much longer the cost of our economy being dragged to a halt, we cannot afford a collapse of our healthcare system or our society.

In the coming weeks, we will again be given the responsibility of sheltering in place, restricting our travel and interaction with others. We will be called upon to do our part and be part of the solution, rather than creating undue risk and consequences of not conforming.

We are constantly reminded that we are all in this together, but as is the case with many things, we as a city, a county, a society, are only as strong as our weakest link.

Do your part. Do your job. Stay home. Following the guidelines together — all together — we will come out on the other side of this situation sooner and stronger.