Editor’s note: This commentary by John Bossange of South Burlington, who is a retired school principal and currently serves on the King Street Center board of directors.
It all began so well and reassuring. Gov. Phil Scott told us he would be following the science and slowly turning the spigot, a quarter turn at a time. Our numbers were leveling off and then actually declining. Even when there was a small spike, immediate testing and contact tracing stemmed the spread of the virus.
Then came his first mistake. Lured by low numbers of cases and pressure from the business community, Scott announced the reopening of some business and made the wearing of masks voluntary. Many businesses defied the governor, continued to follow the science, and required masks once inside their facilities. Businesses posted “masks required” signs and many handed out masks to patrons at their entrances.
Then the governor did not require masks outdoors in areas where maintaining a distance of 6 feet was difficult to control. Again, cities across the state defied the governor and followed the science by passing ordinances requiring masks in downtown core areas.
Finally, the governor has not ordered bars to close. Who needs an explanation now to shut them down? All across America, the spikes in cases are traced back to the drinking and subsequent socializing in crowded bars, no matter how far apart the tables or stools have been arranged. When we drink, we mingle.
Why is the governor not sticking to his original game plan? Why is the wearing of a mask still only recommended or encouraged? Why, during a serious pandemic, is anyone given a choice? Freedom to make your own decision is not following the science, especially now that we know how the virus lingers indoors and is transmitted outdoors between asymptomatic people. States surrounding Vermont have responded with strict masks requirements, followed the most current evidence on transmission, closed bars, indoor restaurants, and made wearing a mask the requirement once you leave the comfort of your home or car.
It’s as if the governor skipped the safety chapter in the science playbook and went right to the chapter on business concerns and personal freedom. Thankfully, this is Vermont, not Texas. In our state we do not have many people who believe Covid-19 is a medical hoax or is a conspiracy by the government to control our lives. Vermonters have a strong sense of community and care deeply for others. Wearing a mask for the good of everyone, everywhere. It is already becoming the cultural norm, the Vermont way, of showing our commitment and loyalty to each other.
Today we are witnessing nightmares emerging in other states where governors gave residents a choice, thinking they were honoring their freedom and individual rights. Scott needs to catch up to the rest of us. Others before self, especially during a crisis, has always been the Vermont way. It’s time the governor joins us and provides some statewide leadership.