We should all know that covid-19 is still with us and cases are spiking again. More than 2,000 new cases are popping up in Snohomish County daily but many of our neighbors don’t seem to care. We have an abundance of medical information and two important tools to deal with this crisis, but only 64 percent of eligible residents have been fully vaccinated and many are not wearing masks, even when required.

Snohomish County has a mask mandate in effect for all residents over the age of 5, regardless of vaccination status. This order went into effect on Aug. 12 and applies to all indoor public spaces, including restaurants, government buildings, and retail and grocery stores. So, a recent visit to a local major department store was very disturbing. Many shoppers were shopping unmasked and obviously not concerned about maintaining reasonable distances.

I asked the greeter at the entrance about store policy. He informed me that it was only a recommendation, the store’s policy is to let individuals decide what’s best for themselves, and he was wearing a mask only because the store required employees to do so. Very disappointing response. With this attitude and lack of concern by both businesses and customers, it’s likely that covid-19 will be with us much longer, and more of our family, friends and/or neighbors will unnecessarily die from it.

Ron Hough

Arlington