Letter to the Editor: " I would rather look back and think that we did a little too much than be two months down the road wishing we would have done more."

"There is a lot of propaganda out there that makes it really hard to know who and what to trust about wearing masks to prevent COVID-19. Many articles that claim to be "science" are in fact just people's opinions. Science is based on evidence that is both valid and replicable. It is not based on one study or anecdotal evidence.  It does not rely on cherry-picked data.  Science tells us that right now the best tools to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus are social distancing, good hygiene practices, and wearing masks.
 
As a council member, I want to keep our schools and businesses open and our community members healthy. While not everyone will die or get seriously sick from COVID, science does not yet know the long-term consequences of this virus.  Studies are showing that in places where masks are mandated, the virus has been slowed.
 
It's prudent to do something now to prevent larger impacts. Local governments have the responsibility and authority to determine what is in the best interest of their community as long as it does not violate state law. Mask mandates do NOT violate state law. In fact, they take a state recommendation and apply it such that it becomes the norm and not an exception.
 
Many folks in Decorah already were in the habit of wearing masks, but we did not have widespread community use, which is what is needed to slow the spread of the virus. Our numbers have been rapidly increasing. With our schools opening up and our hospital asking us to do more to help encourage the use of masks, a mask ordinance is imperative. I would rather look back and think that we did a little too much than be two months down the road wishing we would have done more."