HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-06-20 Public Comment - K. ONeil - Require masks in Gallatin CountyFrom:Kate O"Neill
To:Agenda
Subject:require mask wearing in Gallatin County
Date:Monday, July 6, 2020 8:53:47 AM
Dear Gallatin County Commissioners,
First, thank you for your good work on behalf of Gallatin County citizens. It is difficult work
in the best of times, and the current impacts of COVID-19 only add to the complexity andurgency of your work.
As a resident of Gallatin County with two adult children also living here and attending MSU,
and as someone who works here locally, I would ask the commission to consider a mandatorymask requirement for Gallatin County residents. The science supports this critical step as part
of an overall strategy to slow the surge and lower the number of cases in Gallatin County. Itis alarming how few people in public spaces are wearing masks or even maintaining the social
distancing required to slow the spread. Montana is on a frightening trajectory with new casetallies, and our current response is not in line with the White House guidance for reopening,
CDC or expert epidemiologist recommendations for this current scenario.
We can stand with other states and counties that have taken this important step to not onlycontain the spread in our communities but to help slow the transmission to other states or
countries.
Thank you for considering this request,
Kate O'Neill