Inslee’s COVID-19 closures don’t make sense

Finally, someone with common sense. In responding to California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s outline for lifting virus closures, Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, professor of medicine and health at UCLA, noted that 90 percent of cases in California are in urban counties. It would make sense to start lifting restrictions in rural areas and monitor progress.

Klausner adds, “We’ve been fortunate in California that ... while massive devastation was predicted, California health systems have managed the hospitalizations they have seen.” Really?

Washington mirrors California in that seven counties account for 81 percent of COVID-19 cases and a whopping 94.5 percent of deaths (500 of 529), according to the latest numbers available at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14.

The method by which Gov. Inslee determines what are “essential services” is illogical. Government construction: schools, city halls and court houses are essential; keep ’em working. Single-family homes, apartments and even lawn care, however, are not. What? I am 73 and handicapped. All I can do is water. Overgrowth is going to lead to high pollen counts and fire danger.

Joe McManus

Ephrata