MASKS: A community effort

At a time when COVID-19 infections are spreading through Benawah, Kootenai, and Bonner counties, I am more concerned now than ever about the grave risk to our vulnerable populations and my own family. Most people are not wearing masks in public, and many public spaces are packed with people not taking appropriate precautions to prevent spread of the virus. When we were all being cautious, we flattened the curve. Now, we are seeing more cases locally than ever.

This is not the time to throw caution to the wind. Wearing a face mask, hand washing, and social distancing is not a political issue. It is a considerate action that helps protect you, your family, and your community.

As a front-line health care worker in a local hospital with an older relative in a nearby long-term care facility, I am well aware of the risk. Without your help, we will get a massive surge. Wearing a face mask is not a political issue. It is a considerate action that helps protect you, your family, and your community.

Please don’t try and shame me for wearing a mask or standing at a distance, while I also care for those who are unfortunate enough to suffer this disease.

We are in this together. The more diligent we are about practical prevention measures, the more likely we will be able to maintain a semblance of normalcy in our daily lives while keeping our local economy sustained.

JAY WHITE

Coeur d’Alene