Tri-Cities is being tested. Let’s not blow chance to open more businesses | Editorial

When Gov. Jay Inslee agreed to let Benton and Franklin counties move to a modified Phase 1 just before the Fourth of July weekend, it was granted based on certain conditions.

Community leaders pledged that more Tri-Citians would wear masks in public, and that businesses would follow strict re-opening guidelines.

After a week, it appears most businesses are following the rules. Public health officials also say it appears more citizens are wearing masks when they shop, which is encouraging.

But unfortunately, there have been too many other examples of people demonstrating a blatant disregard for the seriousness of COVID-19. If that dismissive attitude continues, it could hurt our chances of proving to state health officials that the Tri-Cities is ready to do its part to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

We need a stronger response to this disease.

Just when the community was given the green light to finally crack open the economy, our local health officials had to beg Tri-Citians not to participate in large Independence Day gatherings.

Specifically, there was concern over a planned, two-day 4th of July Parade and Freedom Rodeo in Basin City. Organizers ignored the pleas by health officials and went ahead with the event, which attracted hundreds — including some elected officials and current candidates for elected office.

Many who attended posted positive remarks on Facebook, saying they needed the festivities for their mental health, and in general, it appears participants had a great time.

Perhaps the community will be lucky, and there won’t be a spike of new COVID-19 cases linked to the event.

But even if that ends up being the case, the idea that hundreds of citizens ignored advice from our local health agency looks really bad when we are trying to prove that the Tri-Cities is doing its best to be safe.

To add to the concern, most Facebook photos from the Basin City event show the majority of people foregoing masks and social distancing.

At one point early last week, the Franklin County infection rate was one of worst on the West Coast — that compares with major metropolitan areas in Western Washington, California and Oregon.

And the latest data shows the rate of new cases is still on the rise in Franklin County. Holding a parade and rodeo while COVID-19 numbers are surging undermines other safety measures that have been implemented in the community. It also sends the wrong message to Olympia.

Benton County appears to be in better shape, with recent information showing a possible slowing in its infection rate. However, across the Tri-Cities there are people meeting for sporting events at public parks and school fields despite rules banning gatherings.

While organizers say they are taking precautions, at this time the risks are too high in the Tri-Cities for organized sports — especially since many participants reportedly are not wearing facial coverings.

It’s understandable that many who want to gather have pandemic fatigue, and they desperately need an outlet for their emotional health. But organizing large events come at a price, and will delay our progress.

In their defense, many point to the social justice protests that have been allowed throughout the country as a reason for their own gatherings.

We get it.

But protesters, for the most part, wore masks — and that is likely the reason scientists say they have not seen an alarming spike of new coronavirus cases linked to them.

People playing sports in Tri-City ball fields and those who went to the Basin City July 4 event have not appeared to be as careful.

The infection rate in Benton and Franklin counties is still too high for us to let our guard down. We have been given a chance to open the economy a bit, and we need to be smart about it.

Make no mistake — Tri-Citians are being tested.

If we fail, the likelihood that we will move on in the state’s reopening plan is slim.

This story was originally published July 10, 2020 at 12:29 PM.