Garold Minns, Sedgwick County’s public health officer, told county leaders Wednesday that face coverings are one of the few tools we have to curb the spread of COVID-19.
“If this mask keeps a neighbor from getting it . . . if that keeps a couple patients from getting admitted to the ICU, I’m willing to pay that price, personally,” Minns said.
“I’m willing to do that because I don’t have a lot of other tools to offer society.”
The County Commission’s response? It was — with apologies to pop star Ariana Grande: Thank you, next.
“It’s been very educational, very helpful, and thanks for the discussion,” Commission Chairman Pete Meitzner told Minns.
Buh-bye, now. Have a nice day. Moving right along.
Commissioners, acting as the Board of Health, could have bolstered the doctor’s advice by reminding residents that we’re still in the throes of a public health crisis.
They could have emphasized the importance of basic precautions such as washing your hands, keeping your distance, avoiding crowds and covering your face.
They might have underscored their commitment to public health by encouraging — or even requiring — residents to wear face masks when out in public, especially when social distancing is difficult. Numerous jurisdictions have done just that.
But once again, when offered the opportunity, county leaders not only shunned health experts but offered bogus objections to their advice.
Commissioner Jim Howell: “If someone had the choice between social distancing — staying far from other people — and maybe not wearing a mask, or being next to someone else and wearing a mask, which is more dangerous?”
Minns said he wasn’t sure. This virus has been cagey and unpredictable, he said. There’s lots we don’t know and haven’t had time to test.
“Here’s my point,” Howell said. “I’ve seen lots of people who think because they wear a mask, social distancing is not important. . . . If they believe that, we’re essentially embracing, if you will, a false sense of security.”
Masks don’t stop the virus, Howell said. “So if someone really wants to be protected, ignoring social distancing and wearing a mask is frankly not the right strategy here.”
No, it’s not. But that’s a nonsense comparison. Curbing the spread of COVID-19 isn’t an either-or situation — it’s all of the above.
