Last week, we took a camping trip from Fairbanks to Homer. Camping is a great way to socially distance, protect yourself and still enjoy traveling. We stopped in several shops in Anchorage for supplies and to get a tire fixed. I was very impressed and pleased by Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s order requiring wearing masks inside “most public spaces.” Even the guys changing my tire in the garage was wearing a mask. It was refreshing to see Alaskans behaving in a rational, smart, and healthy way. Masks work!
Homer was the opposite. The spit was packed and very few were wearing masks or social distancing. We avoided the spit.
I then read that state Attorney General Kevin Clarkson, with the approval of our “medical expert” governor, sent a memo to state employees saying that “Anchorage’s new coronavirus masking mandate does not apply to state offices, the people who visit them, or employees in those offices.” Why would he want to place thousands of employees at greater risking of exposure to the COVID-19 virus?
Walmart and Kroger (owner of Fred Meyer) are now requiring everyone enter their facilities to wear a mask. Will Clarkson exempt state employees from wearing masks in these retail establishments?
Gov. Mike Dunleavy recently flew to Washington, D.C., to speak joyfully on the White House lawn on the subject of weakening environmental regulations. I assume he flew on Alaska Air. They require masks on all flights. Did he mask up or claim executive privilege not to wear a mask?
We will only beat this very contagious virus if we all row in the same direction. Local, state, and federal government officials must speak with one voice — a voice based on the latest and best medical research.
David Weissman
Fairbanks
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