Where is the COVID-19 spike in the county? Nation?

The Daily Bee (Aug. 7, 2020) included a table indicating four new cases of COVID-19 from the day before and that equaled a total of 175 cases to date in Bonner County. The four new “cases” equaled a 0.023% increase and the 175 equaled a 0.004% of the total Bonner County population.

The same publication included an opinion piece by Marcy Timblin, presumably an employee with the East Bonner County Library District, attempting to allay concerns about the library’s mask policy. Her article may have increased those concerns. She stated “In our local community, there has been a spike In COVID-19 cases.” Putting aside the debate about “cases,” where’s the spike? Exaggeration increases concerns. She also referred to “reputable sources” and did not reveal who were those sources. The USA has witnessed the widespread misuse of anonymous sources. There is concern about the abuse of that phrase. Additionally, the benefit of looped-ear cloth masks is increasingly questioned and causes even more concerns. If the librarians truly are professional researchers, they might have suggested revising those three questionable claims.

Most recent clinical data indicate senior citizens and immunocompromised people are at greatest risk now. Most of them have been around long enough to recognize unfounded opinion pieces. Perhaps it is difficult to state one’s case without resorting to fear tactics? The library rightfully should be concerned about health issues and should explain itself with professional honesty and proofs. Distrust of authorities grows with needless exaggeration.

JEREMY CONLIN

Cocolalla