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Let’s take care of each other during this difficult time

| June 2, 2020 1:00 AM

Last week Govenor Little put stage three of the COVID-19 plan into effect: reopenings of playgrounds, city hall, businesses (bars, theaters) on Saturday, and, if all goes well, go to stage four (the last stage) by the the end of June. Stages one and two have worked especially well in Bonner County. We saw no increase beyond four cases for two and half months. Just as we finished phase two and visitors from out-of-state are started to arrive for the summer, we have two new cases.

Little’s plan is not only carefully crafted. He sped up opening after hearing many citizens call for it, even when they violated the plan in their protests. He empowered counties in worse situations than ours, to take more conservative approaches when they deem it necessary. His orders have been lawful and furthered compelling government interests: that is, the health and safety of citizens of Idaho, while maintaining a nonpartisan stance.

With a light hand, Little has advised us to take appropriate actions for ourselves:

“You do not need to seek medical attention for a mild respiratory illness such as a cold. However, if you have had close contact with a person with known novel coronavirus or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread and you develop fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider and ask for instructions about how to seek care.” He leaves it up to us to decide when testing is appropriate, with input from our personal doctor.

It is a great relief to have a plan, proven locally successful, that allows for individual situations, and empowers us to take action in light of thoughtful recommendations based on the best research.

Thanks to the city of Sandpoint for working with Little’s recommendation, and Bonner Commissioner Jeff Connolly for keeping a cool head in this scary time. And to Governor Little, who acted early and well, responded to the first wave of citizens asking to open as soon as possible, accelerated the schedule as we moved more safely forward and thus reasonably protected our health, safety and prosperity. With their help, we can figure out what to do together. Good government.

We’ve always taken care of each other here, no matter the political climate. If we have leadership supporting us with accurate information and guidance, we can make it through this with minimal physical and economic suffering. Without that leadership, the virus has another way to spread: via confusion. It will shut down what Little has pried open.

Let’s all take care of each other. I’m doing my best, and I know many others are, too. Wave to me from a distance when you see me in a mask at the grocery store. And tell me if you have found a mild, effective soap—my hands are getting sensitive from so much washing!

NANCY GERTH

Sagle