I guess the short answer to Clyde Salyard’s question about mask requirements is this: As long as masking up in public spaces offers near-perfect, if somewhat inconvenient, protection against overstuffed hospitals and closed schools and businesses, then we will continue to serve our communities. Surely a good bargain.

We are fortunate to live in a state and county that have taken conservative and proactive approaches to public health and so far, we’ve fared better than many other places. In other parts of the country hospitals are full, turning away patients, and schools and businesses closing. The fastest way out of masks is with masking up now and getting vaccines and boosters into everyone eligible.

David Robison

Friday Harbor