A second wave?

A second wave? Not yet – because COVID-19 never really went away. You cannot have a second wave if you haven’t properly dealt with the current wave of infections.

Why are we so worried about a second wave of infections in the United States when COVID -19 infections have not stopped and they are escalating rapidly? Beijing China had 55 consecutive days with no new infections. Beijing now finds itself in another lockdown because new cases have suddenly emerged.

Memorial Day in the United States seemed to be our rites of passage toward the new normal. It was the Memorial Day holiday where we saw an increase in social un-distancing and the general removal of face coverings in public. Politicians have been pressured to get businesses open and our economy back on track.

I agree that we must find a way to get business open, more people employed and our economy and communities back on track. But we must do this responsibly and with respect to the enemy – COVID-19. In the movie “The Rock” Nicholas Cage said, “the second you don’t respect this, it will kill you.” This is the reality we have and we should understand this reality.

It was hard to find a parking spot in La Conner this weekend. There were people milling around almost like normal. It was great to see the people and activity in town, but I also noticed that there were very few face coverings being worn.

I want our businesses to be open and our community to get back on track as much as anyone. In my profession I see a lot of data and its economic impact. The University of Texas A&M, University of Texas and the University of California San Diego all analyzed the various mitigation measures put into place in three major COVID-19 outbreak centers around the world (New York City, Wuhan, Italy). In short, their study found that the stay at home orders by themselves did not have much impact in lessening the infection rate. The curve really started to change positively after masks were mandatory.

We are seeing a resurgent of COVID-19 cases in our county as well as across our state and country. I do not want us to be pulled back to Phase 1 or back to a stay-at-home order. Being responsible means respecting COVID-19 and its harmful effects on our economy, community and our lives.

Let’s Stay Open, Let’s Stay Smart and Lets all wear face coverings. I urge Mayor Ramon Hayes and the Town Council to help protect La Conner and keep us open. How bad is it if all we have to do is wear a face covering?

Scott Price,

Shelter Bay