You may be clamoring for more news about the worldwide coronavirus, but I am not.

Right now, I know this virus is deadly, highly contagious, and has no vaccine. I know I need to wash my hands, avoid touching my face, be cautious in public, and wear a mask.

But I am so over the politics of this virus, the so-called experts on this virus, and the endless news cycles dissecting and re-dissecting the virus data.

I am also over discussions on whether President Donald Trump or Gov. Gretchen Whitmer did the right or wrong things, whether they acted too slowly or too quickly, or whether they did too little or too much, because there was no precedent or roadmap on this illness. There were no experts on how to deal with this tragedy. They all did what they thought was best — although I am not convinced they did all of it for the right reasons, because yes, that word “politics” comes into play, simply because they are politicians, and everything they do it “political.”

I am also over the national media’s overblown and oftentimes biased coverage of COVID-19.

Maybe I am being naive, because I know I don’t know everything I need to know, but I do know everything I want to know right now. Unless, of course, there is any significant real new news. No more talking expert heads and blame games for me. Just tell me how the vaccine research is going and when or if it will be available.

So why am I feeling like this?

I am 67 years old, so, yes, I am in the most vulnerable age group.

But I am also hoping those 67 years have given me a bit of common sense and the ability to do what I can to avoid contracting this virus. The sense of immortality I had in my 20s has slipped away over the years, leaving me with a growing sense of making the most out of each day, simply because I know my days are numbered. How many more or less is not as concerning to me as how I live each and every one of those remaining days, which I hope will be many.

My biggest concern, right now, regarding COVID-19 is not centered on me, but on my grandchildren.

School, specifically.

As I sort through the cobwebs of what is left of my memory, I remember how important friends were in my youth. Sure, education is the overriding reason for school, but let’s not forget the underlying benefits of school. Learning extends to how we behave in society, how to respect others and engage in the camaraderie of friendship. And the 2020 school season is upon us, and we quickly need to come to a decision on how best to provide the necessary schooling while reducing the risk as much as possible.

It’s a monumental task carrying risks of its own, but the clock is ticking.

None of us know how this pandemic will end, or if it will ever end, but, in the meantime, we all have lives to live, families to provide for, and jobs that need done. We need politicians to come together for the common good. We need leaders to lead, not follow. We need wisdom, not rhetoric. We need to point to the future instead of pointing fingers of blame.

In short, we need to live our lives with caution, not fear, and with compassion, not condemnation.

So, while I continue to limit my exposure to this virus, at the same time, I will limit my exposure to the endless and repetitive news loops as I go about living my life the best I can, enjoying Northeast Michigan’s incredible and life-nurturing mix of people, nature, friends and family.

For now, that is my antidote. What is yours? Share with me at gregawtry@awtry.com.

Greg Awtry is the former publisher of the Scottsbluff (Neb.) Star-Herald and Nebraska’s York News-Times. He is now retired and living in Hubbard Lake. Greg can be contacted at gregawtry@awtry.com.