Kids, Camp & Masks … Slowly We Move Closer To Fully Reopening

Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinney promised greater transparency when she ran for office and we appreciate her holding true to that and seeing KIT News as an effective partner in the process.

She called the KIT Morning News today (6/23/21) to present the latest word from the Governor's office on mask requirements for kids going to summer camps.

We've written about this in the past when the CDC relaxed its recommendations for kids and outdoor activity.  At the time, it seemed as though Governor Inslee felt his understanding of "science" was different than Dr. Fauci's and the Governor's guidelines basically mandated masks full time for campers unless eating, drinking, brushing teeth or swimming in the lake!

Well, as the temperature heads into the triple digits, the state has reconsidered its hard stand on masks and McKinney delivered the good news for families and campers this morning.

The commissioner says the effort was helped with input from area camp directors and  parents who stood up to remind Olympia that Washington State's "science" is different than anywhere else and that other states seem to be doing just fine with a less draconian approach.

The commissioner also says that it's time to end the Governor's emergency "superpowers" and rethink the approach to be taken in future emergencies.

McKinney knows not everyone agrees with her pushback approach but she would remind them of her responsibility to consider all the various impacts from COVID restrictions.  In addition to COVID'S purely communicable considerations, the commission has to find a balance between, the economy, education, socialization, mental health and more.  Her motto is BALANCE.