So far, the WPIAL has given a green light to winter sports, although the rules for fans haven’t been established.

The WPIAL fans are extremely enthusiastic and support the high school athletes as strongly as anyone anywhere. Yet if the basketball, wrestling, swimming and other winter sports are canceled or if fans are prohibited, it is those same boisterous fans who will be the cause.

The same can be said of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ efforts to win home field advantage or even complete an undefeated season. The anti-mask, it-is-only-the-flu crowd who refuse to follow the guidelines of the medical professionals are running the risk of taking away the season from all of the athletes from the professional ranks to the scholastic leagues.

Does any Steelers fan like the Steelers’ chances if Ben has to sit out with COVID-19? If the schools have to remain in virtual status for classes, do you think the schools or the leagues are going to allow close contact sports like basketball and wrestling to be played? Of course not. But that is where we are headed if the selfish minority continues on the path they have charted.

The numbers — which the anti-mask people think are fake — are becoming worse every day, and it is plain to see we are heading for trouble. No longer are we hearing anyone declare, “I don’t know of a single person who has it.” It is hitting closer to home now.

We had a very emotional story this weekend of a young man in his mid-30s who died of COVID-19. His family was brave enough to share their very personal loss with all of our readers. They hope that in doing so it may wake up some of the persons who still believe they know more than doctors and scientists. Their son and brother can’t be saved now, but the generous nature of that family caused them to bare their story to the world. They want no one else to suffer as he did or mourn as they are now.

A publicity campaign by local leaders and organizations is showing the support that is prevalent in the community to slow the spread by doing the right things, especially wearing masks in public.

We suggest everyone either get on board with this effort or start preparing for another shutdown. Better go get that haircut scheduled and your dental appointment as well. It is only a matter of time before “nonessential” businesses get walloped again by the state. Many won’t be able to survive round two.

Is that the chance you want to take? Think about it and then do what is right. Join your neighbors in trying to avoid this being worse than it has to be.

— RV