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Rathdrum and COVID

The recent numbers for new cases in the Idaho Panhandle will soon show the short-sighted nature of opinions about the virus in Rathdrum (“Masks optional in Rathdrum,” Dec. 8).

It belabors the obvious to point out that the use of masks (every legitimate scientific study shows the substantial impact of wearing masks) is not an intrusion on freedom, but the only ethical behavior to protect these same individuals’ friends, families and fellow community members. Unfortunately, the full hospital at Kootenai Health and increasing hospitalizations and deaths will impact the Rathdrum community.

The unconscionable aspect of this behavior is … we did not need to end up here. The only “unpatriotic” aspect of all this is putting friends, families and community members at terrible risk over a simple cloth mask. Everyone should be wanting to wear them, to protect their friends and neighbors … never mind your parent, children and other family members.

Matthew Ames

Bayview, Idaho

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