So how long might everyone have to wear face masks, as has been mandated by Gov. Steve Bullock? Until a vaccine is developed, according to County Health Officer John Felton – or until enough people get COVID-19 so as to develop “herd immunity.”
Given that the best-case scenarios regarding when a vaccine might become available is one year, so the prospect would be that face masks will be part of our daily attire for at least one year.
But, there is a third possibility, quipped another government official – “until we get a new governor.” The statement reflects the controversy that swirls around the Governor’s edict.
Felton said he was well aware of the differing opinions, and he knows a lot of people do not think the virus is a “big deal.” But, he said, it is a “big deal” to the families and friends of the 14 (now 17) people who have died in Yellowstone County and to those who have had to quarantine and have not been able to go to work.
Blaming the state economic shutdown, job losses and business closures on COVID-19, Felton said, “To the businesses that are now limited, they believe it is a big deal. To the millions who have lost their jobs, they think it is a big deal. And, the residents and staff of Canyon Creek and their families think it is a big deal.” In the last two weeks, since July 6, twelve residents from Canyon Creek Memory Care in Billings have died from the disease.
Those who might not believe the virus is a “big deal” are often of the opinion that the requirement to wear masks is a “back door” effort to curtail businesses without appearing to actually shut them down, since many people faced with having to wear masks will opt not to go shopping. Closed businesses, and people without jobs, are viewed as negatively impacting the Trump administration, and would diminish his re-election prospects. That suspicion sets the table to make the entire issue more of a political conflict than a health issue.
Governor Bullock said, “There’s no reason this needs to be political, because COVID-19 isn’t political. Instead, this is about being a Montanan and being supportive of those around us. Montanans need to not only feel safe, but be safe to continue supporting small businesses like restaurants, breweries, clothing stores, bookshops, and more.”
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