Have you noticed more people wearing a mask in Yakima? Yakima Health officials are hoping to reach 80% of Yakima wearing masks to slow the spread of the virus.
4th District congressman Dan Newhouse has joined many local and state officials urging everyone to wear a mask. Newhouse has released a statement;

Hello, this is Congressman Dan Newhouse from Sunnyside, and I have the honor of representing Central Washington in the U.S. House of Representatives. As residents of Yakima County, we all have a personal responsibility to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and to protect ourselves and our communities.  We all recognize how important it is that we make strides toward reopening our businesses and our society. The resiliency of our local economy, national security, and overall mental health and well-being of our friends, families, and neighbors depend on it.

I join my friends and neighbors in Central Washington in expressing my gratitude to the essential employees on the front lines of this pandemic – from healthcare providers and first responders to farmers and farmworkers:  Thank you for all you are doing to keep us safe and healthy. But now, we must each do our part.  And believe me, I know it’s not easy.  We are all independent Washingtonians and don’t like being told what to do.

It is as simple as wearing a mask in public when you’re unable to keep distanced from others.  I know they can be awkward and uncomfortable – especially with a beard! – and I know some are skeptical as to their effectiveness - but it’s a small inconvenience that may bring us to a quicker re-opening of our communities, schools and economy.

By respecting these public health guidelines – including washing your hands and following the safety precautions put into place by local businesses - we can move closer to safely reopening Yakima County.

As I have said throughout our response to this pandemic, Central Washington is strong and resilient, and we will get through this – together.

I ask that you join me – and put on our masks.

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