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Are We Really “In This Together?”

On Mother’s Day my “high risk” parents and I walked through Kendall Yards along the river. The trail felt like Bloomsday, with hundreds of people out and about. To my dismay, only ONE mask was seen, on a restaurant employee taking a break. When asked why nobody else was masked, he shrugged, “Spokane is over it.”

What is Spokane over? Over science, policy and respect for others? Over economic devastation and social isolation? Doctors, scientists, the health department, our governor and even President Donald Trump have made it clear that only serious compliance with mask recommendations will sustain the current reductions in infection, hospitalizations and deaths. Collective abandonment of the masks will result in resurgence of disease and further economic disaster.

Wednesday’s article, “King County Masked” confirmed my fear – Seattle residents, like Spokane, are flagrantly defying science and policy. What calculation is made as masks (and facts) are trashed? Seems like selfishness, vanity and disrespect for the “high risk” demographic. Please tell me what I’m missing!

Mayor Nadine Woodward acknowledges “new norms are something we have to get used to.” The angry, divisive tone of our cultural dialogue and my observations have me wondering if we CAN modify our individual behavior for the common good. Are we really in this together? Or will our “new normal” be defined by social confusion, erosion of responsibility to others and misplaced definitions of liberty?

Hanna Penberthy

Spokane



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