HomeMy WebLinkAboutRe: Mandatory Face Masks - In Favor OfI wanted to write and let you know that my husband and I are in favor of Rexburg enacting mandatory face masks in public as outlined by what Driggs implemented.
However, we do have a concern about the medical exemption. Being that there is no documentation required for a medical exemption, and no reason has to be given, we feel this is a loophole
that will be exploited. We fear that those who are opposed to wearing masks will claim this as an exemption, even when it does not apply, making it so many more people do not wear masks.
I know that many people here haven’t been touched by the virus firsthand. My family, however, both in Colorado and Arizona, have been dealing with the virus for several months now and
have been severely sick. The virus has hit them in waves, coming back just as they think they are recovering. My brother was put on oxygen at home to keep him out of the hospitals and
off the respirators, which have a high death rate. He had some close calls, but this did prove to be effective for him. However, going on nearly 4 months now, he still cannot go without
the supplemental oxygen. Others in my family are also dealing with this illness for months now. It has targeted many body systems for them, as well as for my brother that I mentioned.
We are grateful that no one has died. However, there seem to be issues that may prove to be challenging and possibly life altering.
I am grateful that you are taking this virus seriously. It doesn’t affect everyone, but when it does, it can get really bad and really scary and stressful, and can permanently alter
one’s health, if they survive it.
As for myself, I have many health issues that would put me in the high/higher risk category, including an autoimmune disease. My immune system is already too high, attacking my body,
and they are trying to bring it down/suppress it. My husband and I are very concerned about our daughter returning to school in the Fall, as an 11th grader, and being a part of many
bands, including Marching Band and Marching Band camp. I would greatly appreciate the school children wearing masks. We would love to have her do on-line classes. But, how do you help
a teenager, who is VERY concerned about missing out on things with the band and her friends, understand how important this is to my health? We have had lots of discussions about it,
but the only time she responds is if ALL the kids have to do the same as her. It has caused a lot of anger for her and issues within our household. The reason I bring this up, is that
I know of several others in the same situation, and I see others here in Rexburg posting about it too. It sounds easy enough to tell parents to keep their kids home and homeschool them,
if the parent is worried about someone in the family’s health, but it really isn’t that simple.
We did look over the plans for the school opening and the various levels/colors, and we felt that it was too lenient. We do agree it is very important to have in classroom learning,
as many learn best that way, including our daughter. However, it seems more is being planned for once the hospitals reach full capacity, and although there are a few options as it approaches
that, they seem to be just that….options but not mandatory.
Having the face masks in place will help.
We’d like to see the city implement strategies to help prevent the spread of the virus BEFORE it gets too bad, not when or AFTER it gets too bad.
We know that these are hard decisions. We appreciate the time and effort you put into making these decisions, as there are so many variables and opinions, and so much to consider in
regards to the economy, small businesses, domestic violence and abusive situations, unemployment, those not having enough for housing and food, etc., etc. We know that you do not take
these decisions lightly.
Thank you for considering our thoughts on these matters.
* Ila Reynolds