Council had their first hybrid / in-person Regular meeting on July 6th, 2021. Prior to this, meetings were remote owing to COVID.
In this particular meeting, Varisha Kahn, Jessica Forsythe and Jeraleee Anderson wore masks. Everyone else were unmasked, including the mayor, the city attorney and city clerk. Mr. Fields was participating remotely. Carol Helland, Director of Planning and Ms. Hite, Director of Parks were sitting unmasked at the table. Some members of the audiance were not masked.
I'm not sure why three were covered. Were they fearful of the Delta variant? My guess is some were trying to set an example to encourage the public to mask since the pandemic isn't over.
Council Member Varisha Kahn, in the committee meeting, attributed her full-face covering to a scratchy throat.
-- Bob Yoder, 7/7/2021 - photo: redmond.gov
I chose to wear a mask at the first in-person meeting in response to the many seniors who have shared with me their desire for a masked safe space. I personally know many in our community who are unable to get the vaccine due to various heath complications. Additionally, I am still concerned for those 12 and under who are not yet eligible for the vaccine.
ReplyDeleteI will continue to wear a mask at future Regular Business meetings and hope my fellow Council Members will join me.
Helping to protect community members is not an inconvenience it’s an honor.
Thank you,
Council Member Forsythe