As I watched and read the news this morning I received very mixed messages. The headline in your paper read “Utah hospital officials warn state in ‘precarious’ situation with record COVID-19 hospitalizations” (Oct. 12).
An IHC infectious disease physician said that high rates of transmission in older age groups are leading to increased hospitalizations. He went on to say “And in terms of prevention, it’s really now needing to shift to a major push among our community members to mask up and to social distance, among those groups that we tend to be more familiar with.”
This is the status in our state and the state that Mike Lee represents. I then saw Mike Lee in the national news participating in a public indoor event not wearing a mask. We all know that he tested positive a number of days ago. I presume he has decided he is no longer contagious. But I want to know if he understands what message he is sending and what kind of example he is setting?
We are all tired of this crisis and want it to be over. But until there is a more permanent solution, it is very important to mask and social distance. Mask up to open up. We all know that over 40% of deaths in Utah are among those older than 65. I am 67. Is Sen. Lee saying that I am unimportant and disposable? That is the message I feel he sent.
Pattie Evans
Bluffdale