Mixed messages running strong.

Island County

June 9, 2020 Whidbey News-Times

County may ask to move to Phase 3 next week

“Island County Public Health Director Keith Higman told commissioners at a meeting last week that the county can make the request as early as June 13.”

“Under Phase 3, restrictions meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be further loosened. Gatherings of up to 50 people will be allowed, restaurants can move to 75 percent capacity, bars can open at 25 percent and movie theaters can open at 50 percent capacity.”

“Higman said camping in the county will need to be addressed in Phase 3. The state would have allowed it under Phase 2, but officials were worried about overuse since camping in adjacent counties was still closed at the time.”

I went to the US Post Office in Oak Harbor earlier today to take care of some business inside at the customer service desk. Only 7 people are allowed in that part of the building, so the waiting line begins out in the area adjacent to where the PO boxes are located. When it was my turn to go in, I was asked if I had a mask. I said I did not have one. A nice lady in line ahead of me gave me one.

Never saw anything in our local paper about masks being required at the post office. Did I miss it?

Jefferson County

Over in Jefferson County, they got the word out:

May 29, 2020 Port Townsend Leader

Masks now required in public

“Public Health Officer Tom Locke issued a masking directive May 28 requiring all individuals in Jefferson County to wear face coverings over their noses and mouths when they are at indoor and outdoor public locations and cannot maintain a 6-foot distance from others.”

Thank you Port Townsend Leader, for keeping your comment section open.

Island County

June 5, 2020 Whidbey News-Times

Commissioner says governor’s new mask rule defies basic science, logic

“…beginning June 8, nearly all employees in the state will be required to wear a cloth facial covering or face mask, except when working alone in an office, vehicle or job site.”

“Commissioner Jill Johnson pointed out that masks were not a requirement during the peak of the pandemic and that it’s not health officers calling for the rule, but a politician.”

Jefferson County

June 10, 2020 Port Townsend Leader

Ferry schedules on reduced service until further notice

My understanding is that the Port Townsend Keystone route runs only one boat in the winter and two in the summer.

Island county is now headed towards Phase 3?

How does it help anyone or any situation to stay on a winter/one boat schedule?

Related:

Whidbey Island

Over at the State Park: Shut Off The TV And Get Outside For A Bit

Voting is highly emphasized in American culture. Asking questions related to public policy takes a lower priority.

Pizza delivery, marijuana and booze sales roll on as government agencies phase out access and services.

Local press responds with reduced coverage and less in the way of asking questions.

Concealed Carry Processing Suspended

Mixed Messages On What Is An Emergency

Looks like Sound Publishing has removed all old comments and shut down the opportunity to post new comments on all of their newspaper web editions?

Manage it, don’t ban it. Online comment sections

Recommendations to bring in more subscribers:

Ready to Support Local News on Whidbey Island

I feel like a man on the moon in 1969 was a proud American moment.

Since that time, both major parties have taken turns in power and have squandered credibility that would help in the current situation.

We were told we needed to send troops to Vietnam to stay safe.

Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.

Growing Up In The Cold War Era

Stay-at-home, except when purchasing liquor up until 9 p.m.

Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeomalt

Photo-

Keystone Ferry – Inbound

Coupeville/Penn Cove is on the eastern shore of Whidbey Island-no ferry link to Port Townsend exists there.

Possibly of interest:

Occasionally Looking for the Coupeville Ferry

Washington State Ferry Ride

Ferry Traffic Leaving Coupeville Terminal Routed Away From Coupeville