HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-06-20 Public Comment - K. Kirk - Masks need to be mandatoryFrom:Karin Kirk
To:Agenda
Subject:masks need to be mandatory
Date:Monday, July 6, 2020 10:28:43 AM
Dear Bozeman City Commissioners,
I’d like to weigh in and say YES it’s time to require masks for everyone while in public places (inside any
business and in downtown areas, at a minimum).
Here’s why:
- Pleas for public cooperation have gone unheard thus far. More action is needed.
- Covid-19 cases are surging in Bozeman and Gallatin County; the current measures are clearly
inadequate to slow the spread of the disease. 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 city 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?
Ideally, this requirement would come from the Gallatin County Board of Health, but if they are not
planning on adopting this rule soon, then the city must step up and take a leadership role.
In addition to urging the city to require masks, I also pledge my support to you. I know there is loud
opposition about masks, and some of the loudest complaints come from those with fringe views that do
not represent a sizable portion of our community. You are going to face backlash no matter what, and I’m
sorry it’s come to that.
But I also know that most of us are willing to do our part for our community. I will stand with the city and
support you in the decision to require masks. I will support businesses, and be part of the solution.
Thank you for seeking input and I urge you to take this step to get ahead of the virus!
- Karin KirkBozeman, MT
Karin Kirk
Freelance Writing - Science Education
Bozeman, MT
www.karinkirk.com