I was alarmed and dismayed when I read the article regarding Snohomish County possibly reverting to Phase 1 (“Somers: There are no current pans to move back to Phase 1,” The Herald, July 1).

I was (again) disappointed to see only numbers given, but no specifics. For example, where is the bulk of the spike being seen? In Everett, Lynnwood, Lake Stevens, Gold Bar, etc.? What are the ages? Age used to be a key item in virus articles but it is no longer. Giving the ages and city or cities impacted would (hopefully) encourage them to get serious about supporting recommendations from the health department. The entire county should not have to be shut down again due to (possible) non-support of infection control community practices by some.

Businesses are finally able to open, but sadly, it will take a long time for them to get back to where they used to be! Employees are finally being able to return to work! This cannot be taken away again! One of the key metrics is licensed beds occupied by COVID-19 cases. The goal is to be lower than 10 percent, and as of June 30, it is 3.7 percent. That should support staying in the Phase 2, and not reverting to Phase 1. I know it is only one of the key metrics, but it is a very telling and important one!

I support social distancing, wearing of masks whenever appropriate, and hand-washing. However, I will not support “the sky is falling in” mentality regarding reverting back to Phase 1 unless there is more specific data to support that decision!

Myrna Spoon

Everett