Given the dramatic growth of COVID-19 cases in the region, the Joplin City Council has set a special meeting for tonight to discuss whether to mandate face mask usage, similar to what has been enacted by other cities, including Fayetteville, Arkansas.
It is the right move. It is a minor inconvenience. Face masks work.
The Globe also cited the experience in Fayetteville, which enacted a face mask ordinance despite concerns the city would lose business. Fayetteville City Council member Sonia Gutierrez said that was not the case.
The overall response, she told us, has been one of gratitude. She was worried that the city would lose business as people who didn't want to wear a face mask to the store or to a restaurant went elsewhere. She said she has heard from many — people who are immunocompromised and others — who are coming TO Fayetteville now because they think it is a safer place to shop.
The Globe editorial concluded with "Face masks work- do this!"
The Globe's editorials have gotten a lot more assertive than they were under Carol Stark. It's no longer the "Yay for puppies!" safe approach it was. They're actually willing to take stances with whom a lot of readers will disagree. This is good.
ReplyDeleteI go to a lot of baseball games around here. Out of a typical group of 100, only one person (yours truly) is wearing a mask and keeping a distance from others. Ninety-nine are not. Until people get the message, this will get far worse before it gets better.