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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Go ahead and open

It seems that some Washington counties have determined that they will open up businesses and forget about social distancing, in the belief that the state’s social distancing rules are an infringement on their liberty. So, OK. Let them open up their counties, but let’s do what is necessary to protect the rest of us from their decisions.

Counties that open before the state health authorities believe we are safe from the virus must agree to the following: People may be allowed to enter the county, but NO ONE will be allowed to leave the county unless they have proof that they have tested negative within the last week. We can build nice walls around the counties to protect the rest of us. If major highways run through the counties, we can find ways to go around. Supplies for the re-opened businesses can be offloaded at the county lines for pickup by virus-free (provable) people.

In this way, we can let those who want to open for business do so, without endangering the rest of us.

Sandra Christensen

Spokane

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