Dear Editor,

I would like to respond to the letter sent to the editor a few weeks ago regarding face masks. I believe the writer is mistaken as to the efficacy of the masks. Community spread has increased, mostly as a result of relaxed “stay at home” orders and more public interaction. The more I read about the spread and the recent uptick in cases, the more I am convinced that masks in public places, although not a panacea, are useful in slowing down the spread of COVID-19.

The reason masks were not recommended at the start of the pandemic, was because it wasn’t yet evident that the spread of the virus could happen through contact with people who were asymptomatic. That recommendation rapidly changed. 

According to the Mayo Clinic - they recommend masks because they stop the spread of the virus, masks should be worn in public places, where social distancing is difficult to maintain, even by Vice-Presidents.

JAMA - Journal of American Medical Association - also states that wearing masks will help stop the spread of COVID-19; “...they are a tool that can be used to prevent the spread of respiratory infection.”

The CDC - has been on TV, radio, and on their website, they advise people to wear cloth masks in public settings to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. 

I would like to support Waitsburg and Dayton businesses, however, I cannot support local businesses that are not enforcing rules that employees wear masks while working around food or in close proximity to others. I will support those who are in compliance, eat at home and shop for groceries in Walla Walla. I would rather drive 20 miles than risk becoming ill, or worse, pass the virus on to someone else.

Vicki Sternfeld-Rossic