As of Tuesday there were 1,677 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Chula Vista, the second highest rate in the county behind that of the city of San Diego.
In National City and Bonita there were 605 cases combined.
Taking a more detailed look, in the 91910 ZIP code there are 536 cases of coronavirus; 734 cases in ZIP code 91911; 63 in 91902; 215 in 91913; 64 in 91914; 114 in 91915; and 565 in 91950.
Numbers and statistics can be overwhelming and confusing. To a degree they can be misrepresented and manipulated — including when they are being used to persuade someone to a particular point of view.
When it comes down to it, maybe the only number that matters to a lot of people is one.
Who is the one person for whom you want what the best? The one person you want to see thrive and live a healthy life? Yourself? A spouse? A parent? A neighbor? With that person in mind, what actions would you be willing to take to give them a chance at achieving any of those goals?
Some parents work multiple jobs to provide their child a stable home and opportunity for advancing through education.
Some spouses sacrifice their own desires for the sake of their loved ones for no other reason than the joy it creates.
And some strangers put their own safety at risk for the sake of someone they don’t know because, to them, that is the right thing to do.
It has been roughly four months since the coronavirus pandemic landed in the United States and laid claim to more than 100,000 lives and millions of dollars in lost revenue after businesses had to close temporarily, while at the same time sending millions more to the unemployment line.
It has been roughly 30-plus days since the state of California and San Diego County, including Chula Vista and National City, have started easing stay-at-home directives and allowing retailers and restaurants to re-open so people can try to resume a semblance of economic and social routine.
As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to climb perhaps the only thing that needs remembering is this: wear a mask and keep your distance to protect that one person you want the best for.
