MASKS: Enforce the mandate

Turning onto Coeur d’Alene’s Northwest Boulevard from U.S. 95, motorists see an illuminated yellow sign advising that face masks are mandated in the city. However, continuing east onto the resort city’s tourist-filled Sherman Avenue, not more than a few face masks are evident on the hundreds of sidewalk diners and strollers. And although many are locals, visitors from other parts of Idaho, its three surrounding states and, most likely, from many other states and countries, have come to enjoy our beautiful city.

When I called the police to complain that there were no visible law enforcement officers enforcing the mask mandate, I was told Sheriff Wolfinger has deemed the mask issue “low priority.” Low priority? Has he not noticed Kootenai County’s rapid rise in COVID-19 tragic statistics?

According to the Panhandle Health District, as of Aug. 5 the total number of confirmed cases was 1,684, with 15 deaths. And if one looks on a graph, since June 11 the rapid rise in statistics appears frighteningly vertical.

We need law enforcement to enforce our mask mandate and take this deadly virus more seriously. Sheriff Wolfinger and all local law enforcement personnel need to do much more to safeguard the lives they have sworn to protect.

BREWSTER MOSELEY

Coeur d’Alene