On Wednesday, the news came that everyone knew would be announced soon, that someone in Lawrence County has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Everyone knew it was inevitable. That is why Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine began cancelling events in February and eventually ordered everyone to stay home as much as possible and all non-essential businesses to close.

It is why our cities and villages declared a state of emergency two weeks ago. It is why all public buildings were closed to the public, except by appointment, and people were asked to do their business with the public officials by phone, email, fax or mail.

Just a week ago, another newspaper accused Ohio of overreacting and taking caution too far.

Most Ohioans took the closings in stride, erring on the side of caution.

Because the information put out by the governor and the Ohio Department of Health said that by taking simple precautions such as washing our hands, covering our mouths when we cough or sneeze, not shaking hands and staying six feet away from each other, we could protect ourselves and help flatten the curve of the coronavirus so it didn’t get spread as far and as fast as public health officials feared.

Obviously, this disease will spread and will continue to spread.

We must remain vigilant in our fight against this disease, we must remain strong.

Just because there is one case in our county, it is not the end of the world.

We would not be here today if it were not for the strength of our ancestors who battled other diseases and lived through epidemics and pandemics. Their strength has made us the survivors we are.

We will survive and we will stay strong.

Stay safe, Lawrence County.