BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Many Western New Yorkers are experiencing COVID fatigue. As numbers in Western New York and Erie County continue to rise, some say they’re sick of having to face serious restrictions because others aren’t taking the virus seriously.
“I have friends that get together with 25-39 people. I’m trying to be respectful and follow the rules, but I’m ready to kick the door in. I’m tired of it,” said Marge Donhauser.
Donhauser says she hasn’t been able to see her mother in person for months. Her mother, in her 90’s, is in a nursing home, and the restrictions are tight for visitors.
“It makes me mad that people can go to the casino’s, they can go on with their lives, and not everyone is following the same rules,” she said.
Many others we talked with agree.
“People are tired of it,” said Donna Green. “They don’t follow the rules like they’re supposed to which I think is very sad.”
Green is referring to “rules” as social distancing, avoiding crowds, mask wearing and other COVID-19 prevention measures.
Dr. Thomas Russo from the University at Buffalo says now, people have let their guard down.
“Cases were very low here in the summer, we were feeling good about ourselves. We were doing most activities outdoors,” he said.
Dr. Russo says the combination of that false sense of security and a shift to indoor activities that has made people more lax. He says many younger people aren’t as worried about catching the disease. He says now, there is more to worry about down the road.
“We’re learning now that there’s intermediate and long-term consequences as well,” he said. “A variety of organs other than the lungs are affected.”
Dr. Russo says the most exciting news of all is that an effective vaccine could be on the horizon. Still, health officials say people need to continue taking precautions now.
