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Letter: School was canceled for a reason

Seniors from Spain Park High School stand on a baseball field at a socially distanced graduation ceremony in Hoover, Ala., Wednesday, May 20, 2020. Health officials say usual graduation ceremonies could endanger the public health by promoting the spread of disease. But school officials say they're using social distancing guidelines and abiding by state health rules. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)

I am writing to convey the importance of teenagers practicing social distancing.

I am 16 years old and since school has been dismissed I have been self-quarantined with my family. Through social media, I have been able to see a lot of kids I know not practicing social distancing. They are still hanging out in big groups of people in confined spaces, like in a car or at someone’s house.

Even though kids of my age are less susceptible to this virus, it does not excuse this type of behavior. We can be carriers of this virus and pass it onto to someone who may not be as fortunate as us to be young and healthy. It is very important to recognize that school was not cancelled so that we can hang out with our friends.

It is selfish to not practice social distancing because it puts many other people at risk.

Alaina Lindley, Salt Lake City

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