Editor,

We were disappointed to see the headline on June 6 regarding Island County commissioners Jill Johnson’s and Janet St. Clair’s dismissal of the governor’s new mask rule for state employees.

We realize that it is difficult for people to understand when recommendations change, but there was, in fact, “new science” since the county had its peak of COVID-19 cases, and new scientific information comes in almost daily.

We now know that this coronavirus can often be spread from people before they have symptoms or even when they have mild but vague symptoms.

We also know that this virus is even more likely to be spread through breathing, talking, or shouting, than by touch or contact with contaminated surfaces.

Therefore, the wearing of cloth face masks when you don’t have symptoms and can’t socially distance yourself is important to reduce the chance that you spread the virus to others before you realize you have it.

The practice of wearing face masks is recommended by all levels of our public health system.

Our state and local public health department recommendations have helped to suppress the community’s viral load, but the virus is not gone, nor will it go away quickly.

Continue to practice social distancing. Wear cloth masks when social distancing is not practical. Practice good hand washing.

Self-isolate when feeling sick or having any symptoms.

We would expect our elected officials to set a good example and to lead us by complying with the public health recommendations.

Pediatric Associates of Whidbey Island

John Beumer, MD, Amy Garrett, MD, Michele Gasper, MD, Robert Wagner, MD, Hannah Carlson, ARNP, Heather Good, PA, Debby Leffler, ARNP