During a recent news conference about COVID-19, Gov. Tom Wolf said that the state is currently relying on residents voluntarily complying in regard to mask wearing, but that such orders are enforceable by law.

That might ruffle some feathers, but there’s an easy way to avoid such a situation — wear a mask. With some exceptions — for instance, people who can’t wear a mask due to medical issues — there’s no good reason not to wear one when you’re out in public and in proximity to others.

Butler County continues to see a slow but steady rise in COVID-19 cases while neighboring Allegheny County set records several days this week in terms of the number of new cases and hospitalizations.

In Allegheny County, health experts said the culprits for new cases include parties, weddings, funerals, religious services and trips to the gym. Nobody is saying people shouldn’t take part in such things — although you should be skeptical about attending events with larger numbers of people — but there’s no reason not to cover your face when doing so.

In the news, there has been story after story about individuals who defied calls to wear masks, only to become sick themselves and, in some instances, lose their lives.

These stories are, of course, tragic — but they’re also preventable. Even worse, those refusing to wear masks are not only increasing their own chances of catching the virus, but also making it likely they spread it to others.

Earlier this month, state Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine issued an order making mask wearing mandatory when outside of your home.

Wolf has said most Pennsylvanians have complied with that order, but has suggested that compliance could be enforced by law. Not wearing a mask could possibly result in getting a fine.

This would likely be difficult to enforce. But honestly, why get to that point in the first place? As it stands, COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on our way of life. Fall sports were approved for Pennsylvania Wednesday with the caveat they could be shut down again, depending on the virus. Slippery Rock University has dialed back reopening plans for the fall, and is primarily offering online options. Stores keep opening and closing again based on the severity of the virus.

It doesn’t have to be this way. The capability to get back to normal is in our hands. Just wear the mask.

— NCD