Three golf clubs in the south are abuzz with news that a member golfer has tested positive for the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19)—after having played in the clubs and had merienda with fellow golfers in one club.

The man got the test result a day after his games, and promptly informed the clubs and friends about it. He got flak on social media, which went on overdrive, as expected. Some commented that he should have waited for the test result before playing golf, even if he didn’t know if he was a carrier or not.

Unfortunately, the case of this man isn’t unique.

Many cases are asymptomatic, yet infectious. And able-bodied men, especially the young, have this mindset that their strong immune system makes them immune to COVID-19. One could be “immune” but could be a carrier.

The many cases of leading athletes and young people catching the virus should destroy that mindset of complacency and sense of immunity, but it hasn’t. And this was brought on mainly by the earlier pronouncements of foreign medical experts that a strong immune system spared people from the contagion.

Subsequent research showed that while a strong immune system is a must, much also depends on the “virus load.” Therefore, wearing face masks, keeping adequate physical distancing and strict personal hygiene such as washing of the hands are must-dos.

This is because, while one is not showing symptoms, one could be a carrier.

“Early on, the health authorities should have just said, everyone is a carrier, so wear a face mask and keep your distance. That could have been easily understood by everyone. No ifs and buts,” said a doctor we spoke to the other day.

Yes, everyone could be a carrier, an asymptomatic carrier. This must be why even if people continue to stay home, they get infected, because other members of the household are carriers.

While waiting for a vaccine, people cannot remain holed up in their homes, but they also shouldn’t carry on as if life and business were back to the old normal. They should just presume that they’re carriers and the person next to them is, as well, so wear that mask and observe physical distancing. —Thelma Sioson San Juan