Editor,

In the Whidbey News-Times reporting of my board comments regarding the governor’s June 8 mandate that all employees must wear masks all the time, there has been confusion about my support and advocacy about the importance of masks. It was never my intent to defy the governor’s order, nor do I question the science of how we are proceeding through this pandemic.

I want to clarify my position on masks and the importance of prevention as we fight this pandemic.

First, I support the requirement that masks be worn at local businesses, especially those who serve the public with food and beverage or are in close proximity to customers, as this will prevent the spread of COVID 19. This has been well established by multiple reputable sources and research institutions.

I support that employees, including Island County employees, should wear masks at work to protect each other and the public when we cannot consistently maintain physical distancing and/or are often up and working together in shared spaces as part of our work. We all should keep masks with us at all times.

My concern was the requirement that employees must always wear masks all the time. Guidance has been to maintain physical distancing of 6-plus feet, wash hands and keep frequently touched surfaces disinfected. Island County mandates those practices. Island County has also invested in mitigations such as Plexiglas shields to protect the public and our employees.

To get clarification, I met with our liaison to the governor and attended a meeting with Joel Sacks from Washington State L&I to understand that mandate. It was reiterated that masks work to decrease the spread of disease. I also heard that, if physical distancing or other engineered solutions such as barriers are consistently in place, employers can use discretion on masks when interactions are brief.

This was the common sense response I hoped I to hear.

Bottom line is that we must work together to protect one another. This disease is carried by droplets that we emit when we speak, cough, sneeze or sing “hallelujah” our efforts are working.

So please, let’s stay safe together.

Janet St. Clair

Island County Commissioner

District 3