Dear Utah County Commissioner Bill Lee:
Simply put, I am perplexed by your efforts to threaten the safety and welfare of the good people of Utah County. COVID-19 is a very dangerous, highly communicable, new disease that is in full swing right now in Utah County.
As of July 24, in Utah County we have 6,753 cases, and climbing like crazy.
This is not a political issue, it is a science issue. The science tells us that wearing a mask covering the face and mouth results in risk reduction. Masks may be more effective as a “source control” because they can prevent larger expelled droplets from evaporating into smaller droplets that can travel farther. What you, Mr. Lee, should be doing as a community leader is encouraging 100% of our folks to wear masks. The scientific evidence is clear. Wearing a mask reduces the spread of the virus. Scientific research tells us even 80% of the population wearing masks would do more to reduce COVID-19 spread than a strict lockdown.
Our families, our friends and our neighbors are trying very hard to protect themselves and their loved ones. Right now, so many good people in our community are struggling and distressed. Job loss, rent payments and incessant financial worries top the list. Can you contemplate the consequences of coronavirus sickness? Have you considered the financial suffering that comes to those who are most vulnerable among us when you encourage people to refuse to wear a mask? Where is the sense in that? When we mask up, we protect others. It’s such a simple thing to do. Mr. Lee, as our elected representative, it is time for you to change course or leave office.
Rather than devoting your energies and promoting civil discord, why don’t you consider working to improve our civil society? Rational, compassionate thinking mandates that you as an entrusted community leader provide the truth and protect our citizens. Why orchestrate political outrage? Why ignore the science?
Geoff Bury, Provo