As of Monday morning, the time of this writing, the hospital has screened 91 people for covid-19. With 87 of those test results back, Washington County still has only 1 known case. (The second case reported over the weekend turned out to be an error.) We have been extremely fortunate. That being said, it is too soon to let up on the social distancing measures. It is easy to spot kids walking down the street with their friends, or family members visiting each other in houses. It was reported that this past weekend, Washington County had the most visitors since the eclipse in 2017. I understand the desire to get out. We want to see family and friends. However, the CDC is saying we are still in the early stages in dealing with this virus. If you want to see family and friends, do so at a distance. Meet in the yard. Keep a distance.
I am personally thankful for the electronics we have that we can talk, see each other, be entertained, all while keeping our distance. Yesterday, I took a picture of our newfound way of having church. The laptop was on the coffee table with Cathy’s and my feet on either side, and a cup of cocoa somewhere in there. We are all adapting and finding ways to make things work. Those businesses that are open, are adapting, just like businesses always do.
For those businesses that are not able to open, I understand the anguish, pain, and anxiety you are going though. Your livelihood, identity, and future are tied up in your business that you have poured your heart and soul into. The dividing line between those who are considered “essential” and those that aren’t are based on cold, hard, heartless models. But that does not mean that YOU are not essential. YOU are the difference between this being a place to live and this being a place to LIVE. YOU are ESSENTIAL.
In a perfect world we could inform the public on how the coronavirus spreads, provide guidelines on how to best control the spread of the disease, people would heed the advice, do what is best for everyone, and we would all weather the storm looking out for each other. However, as can be seen all around us, people do what they want to do rather than what is best. Therefore, declarations and orders are given to try to get people to do what they should do. These end up being blanket statements without consideration for the nuances and understanding of different area’s or different individual’s needs, wants, or desires. If people were to take on the personal responsibility necessary for the good of all there would be no need for rules.
That being said, the city must follow the governor’s guidelines for reopening the economy. As a city, it is the only response we can give. We will use the governor’s guidance in enforcing this edict by using education and relying on Idaho’s cherished values of personal responsibility and self-reliance.
Personal responsibility is the key in fighting this pandemic. Each of us is responsible for controlling the spread or causing it to spread. You have done an excellent job in containing the virus locally and everyone should be commended. This really is a remarkable community.
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