Editor,

The publication of Fred Wilfred’s letter to the editor in which he disparages mask wearing for helping to prevent COVID spread is an egregious example of providing a forum for disinformation by your newspaper and represents irresponsible journalism.

The value of mask wearing to prevent the spread of COVID is supported by a large body of scientific epidemiologic studies such as published in the Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A in January, “An evidence review of face masks against COVID-19.”

Additionally, there is no evidence that mask wearing is harmful to the wearer. Ninety seven percent plus of the new COVID surge around the county are in the unvaccinated, many of whom are children who are now filling pediatric ICUs in the hardest hit areas of infection.

We must do everything in our power to safeguard our children, and Mr. Wilfred’s disinformation-filled letter does just the opposite. The politicalization of the pandemic is tragic and has and will continue to result in unnecessary serious illness and death of thousands of our fellow citizens and neighbors.

Fred Herzon, MD

Langley