MASKS: Common sense needed

I am writing to express my thoughts on a couple of points in this ongoing COVID/Mask debate.

The Mask Mandate being lifted. My question is to the Panhandle Health District. It was reported that they lifted the mandate because of political pressure and lack of enforcement by police. You had that “pressure” standing right outside your door the day you put the mandate in place, after you were told by police leadership that they would not and could not enforce the mandate. You put it through anyway.

Now, when our numbers are much higher than they were at the time, we are in “red” zone, and the hospital is screaming about the load on them, you lift it? If you truly believe masks are effective in stopping the spread, why on Earth would you back down now? From what I have seen, there has been far more people wearing their masks in the last few weeks, so your excuse doesn’t stand up. And your actions reinforce the opinion that they are a placebo for fear.

There are strong feelings on both sides of the mask debate, and I understand many of them. However, I am seeing/hearing people accusing others of being selfish, uncaring, stupid, etc., because they are not wearing masks. That is as ignorant as saying that people who wear masks are hysterical fools. It is wrong to just assume you know and make judgments. Common sense and respect for one another solves much of this debate!

CONNIE PAYTON

Post Falls