Like it or not, we are facing an uphill battle against an invisible enemy.

Being angry about the new coronavirus won’t stop it. Denying the reality of the situation won’t change it. Resenting the precautions that can help slow its spread won’t make them unnecessary. That is why we, as a people, must face this crisis head on and deal with it.

Yes, COVID-19 is an illness that has roots in China and that has made its way around the world. No corner of the globe has been untouched by the illness.

Yet here in America, where we pride ourselves on being resourceful, brave and strong, we are not having the success that we should against this unseen predator. We can blame that, in part, on our stubborn, independent nature. Such traits can serve us well at times, but this is not one of them.

Despite the fact that we have a governor who stepped up to the plate and made difficult decisions early in the crisis that undoubtedly spared hundreds, if not thousands, of lives, many people reacted with glee on Thursday after hearing that Mike DeWine had tested positive for COVID-19. His test came as part of a routine screening performed prior to meeting with President Donald Trump, who was visiting the Buckeye State.

Some Ohioans who should have been concerned for the health and welfare of a man who has led the way in the fight against the virus instead seized the opportunity to throw some of his precautionary steps back in his face. They said or posted on social media things such as, “This proves masks don’t work.”

They were wrong.

Fortunately, DeWine received a second, negative test result later Thursday and is experiencing no symptoms of the illness. Hopefully, it will turn out that the initial test was flawed.

Regardless of whether the governor actually contracted COVID-19, however, Ohio residents and all Americans should take a lesson from this incident. It only proves that nobody is invincible and that the virus is everywhere. It also demonstrates that our testing procedures and knowledge about the virus are not yet where they need to be.

We urge our readers to be as cautious as they can as they go about their daily lives in the midst of this pandemic. Use common sense and take the advice of health experts.

Avoid large gatherings. Wash your hands well and often. Frequently sanitize surfaces that people touch. Stay at least 6 feet apart from people who do not live with you, even if they are your family members.

Finally, wear a mask when you are in public. That is a way to help protect everyone and bring this fight to an end.