HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-02-20 Public Comment - S. McCarthy - Require masksFrom:Shannon McCarthy
To:Agenda
Subject:Please mandate Masks!
Date:Thursday, July 2, 2020 12:16:18 PM
I wanted to write to encourage you to require masks in Gallatin County.
Here is why:
- Covid-19 cases are surging in Gallatin County; the current measures are inadequate to
slow the spread of the disease.
- The disease is spreading through our community by asymptomatic people who don't know
they're infected. The virus has gotten ahead of our ability to control it.
- We know face coverings work: In the 11 states that mandate wearing masks in public,
new cases have fallen by 25% over the last two weeks. Meanwhile, in places without that
requirement, cases are growing exponentially.
- Mandating face coverings puts all the businesses in the county on a level playing field.
This eases the burden on business owners and employees.
- The quickest and only route back to a vibrant economy is by controlling the virus and
keeping our community healthy. There can be no “saving the economy” without managing
public health first.
- If we don’t re-flatten our curve now, we jeopardize the next school year, which would
cause a huge detriment to the community.
- Requiring masks sets the example for our out-of-state visitors, and sets a clear guideline
for guests to follow.
- Many countries and communities have successfully gotten past the worst of the virus and
are moving back toward normalcy. It can be done and I’m jealous of those who have done
it. Why can’t we?
-We need to slow the spread of the virus so that schools can open. The economy cannotopen unless schools open
I will stand with the county and support the decision to require masks. I will support
businesses, and be part of the solution.
Thank you!
Shannon Sepulveda
Bozeman, MT