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At a special meeting last Thursday, the Skagit County Board of Health decided against an ordinance imposing civil penalties for not wearing masks, a violation of county health orders for stopping the spread of COVID-19. A Jan. 20 public hearing for comments was canceled. The board agreed on the measures unanimously.

The decisions reverse the Board’s Dec. 22 decision to impose fines.

Public Health Director Jennifer Johnson expressed concern that the proposed $50 fine would fuel public anger and reduce compliance with mask wearing, social distancing and limits of people in business spaces. “Now...