After witnessing the Jefferson County Board of Health meeting on June 18, I am writing to express my extreme disappointment with their failure to recommend a move into Phase 3 of reopening.
That decision is particularly galling given that the public health officer, Dr. Tom Locke, was unambiguous in his approval of such a move.
Washington state and Jefferson County have been successful in combating the COVID-19 epidemic largely due to their reliance on proven public health measures based on rigorous scientific inquiry.
During the meeting, at no point did the voices in opposition provide a scientific or rational justification for their stance.
Rather, it seemed to hinge on their anecdotes of incomplete mask compliance in the community and fear of tourists.
That a majority of board members thought that those supposed factors could possibly trump the fact that cases are far below the targets the state has set for moving forward is inexplicable.
A move into Phase 3 is not an irrevocable act; if cases spike, the dial can be moved back.
Jefferson County deserves public officials who can soundly analyze policy options on the basis of empirical evidence and make reasoned decisions in light of the trade-offs.
On this crucial vote, they have let us down.
Trent Diamanti
Port Townsend