In public comments prior to Tuesday’s Kitsap Public Health District meeting, a few people asked the district to get tougher in the battle against rising COVID-19 cases.
William Giesecke said Kitsap County not requiring proof of vaccination when going to a restaurant or indoor venue is out of step with neighboring counties. He called the position “baffling.”
“We are not more immune than persons in Seattle or Port Townsend,” he writes.
He shared a story about having lunch in Poulsbo, where customers were not checked regarding vaccines, and tables were not 6 feet apart. He said two men were seated at a table just 3 feet from him and his wife. Besides staff, no one wore masks.
“The profit margin wins until directed otherwise,” he writes, adding he will not be returning to that restaurant. Therefore, it will lose business because it’s not putting its customers at ease with safety measures.
Suzanne Perry shared a similar opinion.
“I was just in Jefferson County and was required to show proof of vaccination to eat at a restaurant. Why are we not? Please step up for our public health.”
Cindy Allpress had the opposite point of view. She urged commissioners to stop the vaccine mandate, which she called unconstitutional and government overreach. She said it encroaches upon people’s right to privacy, only serves to expand the power of government and tramples on individual rights.
Tuesday’s district meeting will be held virtually from 10:30-11:45 a.m. on Zoom.
Also on the agenda are legislative priorities, including: public health funding, COVID-19 recovery funding, collaborate with public health agencies, oppose efforts to reduce public health authority and funding, and oppose bills that would weaken rules regarding potentially hazardous food.
The commissioners will elect officers and select committee assignments, along with having an executive session on collective bargaining.