We get it.

We are social beings, and what we are being asked to do to combat the deadly coronavirus goes against our human nature.

Staying home. Staying away from our friends – and even some of our family members.

But we are living during a time when social gatherings can spread disease and death.

That’s why we must follow social distancing guidelines.

And that’s why some of the activities that are happening in Louisville – people gathering at golf courses, or having close contact at hardware stores or meeting up on the streets to watch a drag race – must stop.

Now.

The urgent call from health professionals and our elected leaders to stay at least 6 feet from others, avoid crowds and gatherings of any size and avoid travel is being issued for good reason.

People are dying.

And, as Gov. Andy Beshear has stressed, these upcoming weeks are especially critical if we are to stem the tide of this horrible, highly contagious illness.

COVID-19 is spreading fast and taking out people in its path. About 80 percent of those who get it have mild or no symptoms. That means people could have it and not even know and pass it to vulnerable people.

That’s why an image shot recently in Louisville showing 40-50 people gathered to watch cars drag race at 13th and Breckinridge streets and another showing a dozen or so golfers close to one another at Hunting Creek Country Club in Prospect are so troubling.

Again, if you are in close proximity to other people, you’re more likely to get the virus, take it home and unknowingly infect your mother or grandmother. Older people and those with chronic health conditions are more likely to die from this disease. So by gathering with others, you are putting your loved ones – and anyone you come into contact with – at risk.

It’s a life-or-death decision.

Across the country, more than 160,000 people have been infected with the coronavirus, and more than 3,000 people have died. Top doctors have warned President Donald Trump that the virus could kill as many as 240,000 people in the U.S. during this outbreak.

In Kentucky, the number of cases grows daily. And the commonwealth is particularly vulnerable. Nearly half of Kentucky adults – 1.6 million people – have preexisting medical conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and COPD that put them at risk of serious illness if they were to get COVID-19.

Kentucky has the highest rate of cancer deaths out of all 50 states. About 14 percent of adults have diabetes, compared to 11 percent nationwide, and 39 percent of Kentuckians have high blood pressure.

Chances are you know people who fit one or more of these categories. Are you honestly willing to put those family and friends at risk of dying just to play golf or basketball, watch a street race or shop at a crowded store?

Come on, Kentuckians. It’s time that everyone in our community confronts this challenge with respect for each other and adheres to social distancing rules.

Together, we can beat this.