Wyoming has now become one of the few states in which mask mandates are being lifted, as Governor Gordon announced they will no longer be required starting March 16. This decision reflects statewide declines in COVID cases for several weeks and the vaccination of approximately 19% of the Wyoming population. Masks will no longer be required at bars, restaurants or theaters, though they will be required in K-12 schools.
While I hate wearing a mask, like you all do too, it is clearly too early to reverse this safety precaution. The economic and personal pain COVID-19 has caused is immeasurable, and consistent mask wearing in public is virtually the easiest tool we have to lessen the agony. Most of the population is still unprotected. Over half a million Americans have died.
Because this reversal is simply not prioritizing the health of Wyoming residents, and Gordon recognizes this, I question the integrity behind this move.
Gordon’s press release detailing the reversal paradoxically encourages Wyoming residents to social distance and continue wearing masks in public places, yet simultaneously announces lifting the mask mandate.
Which one is it? Do you encourage mask-wearing or do you not?
This is especially worrisome as he acknowledges the risk of COVID, then blatantly disregards his own precautions. If he is requiring masks in schools and is telling his constituents to continue wearing them in public, he knows the COVID risk continues to be real.
Thus, Gordon is intentionally ignoring the risks to keep his libertarian and anti-mask supporters.
This political statement is a testament to Gordon’s desperation to regain the trust of his followers. As Wyoming is mostly conservative, and many of his supporters are against state-wide mask mandates, people were disappointed by his leadership when the original mask mandate was enacted.
He is simply trying to gain back the support he lost last year when he placed a mask mandate in the first place rather than acting in the best interest of the people.
I have fortunately not lost anyone from COVID, however the effects are heavily felt on not only my family but families throughout the community. This Christmas and Thanksgiving I had to spend alone because of this virus. It is frustrating that leadership is not taking the health of the Wyoming public as much as I’ve had to or my family has had to.
It is irresponsible to reverse the mask mandates until Wyoming has reached herd immunity. The fact that herd immunity would have been only a few weeks away, with the same preventative measures we’ve been taking, is all the more frustrating.
Besides, wearing a mask isn’t that burdensome considering the significant protection they provide against the deadly disease.
