Here's some common sense by Maggie Kostka of St. Augustine Beach (Vice Mayor, who defeated Andrea Samuels in 2016, owner of Cone Heads ice cream shop on A11 Beach Blvd.)
She concludes:
It appears to me that if we have not been able to enforce the current guidelines it makes no sense to continue to add more guidelines. Again, the easiest approach is to take a step back. Drop back to limiting group gatherings to 20-25, emphasis social distancing, better regulate travelers from out of state, distance all tables at restaurants to 6’ apart. I have been to restaurants where all employees are wearing masks, but the tables are less than 2 feet apart. Distancing is the most important key, not the use of masks(stated by the CDC)…..
In my own business, beginning Monday I will require customers wishing to enter my shop to wear a face covering or use the drive thru. I have purchased and am using on a nightly basis an ozone machine which effectively cleans, sanitizes and disinfects the air and exposed surfaces inside of my shop in an effort to protect my employees and customers.
-----Original Message-----
From: Comm Kostka
To: bcc2jsmith@sjcfl.us
Cc: Robert Hardwick
Sent: Sat, Jun 27, 2020 6:52 am
Subject: COVID increase
Dear County Commissioners,
There is a growing concern surrounding the drastic increase of reported COVID cases in our county and state. I am sure you would all agree that this poses a significant health and safety concern to the entire County.
As I never like to highlight a problem without a solution, I would like to suggest that there has been a solution all along.
When Governor DeSantis laid out his plan for the re-opening of the state, he began by stating it was a carefully, well laid out step by step, phased in approach. This was created intentionally with specific criteria to outline mandatory goals before moving to the next step/phase. He also stated, in the very next sentence of his press conference given when unveiling this plan, that this plan also gives an opportunity to take a step back if needed (like when experiencing an increase in spread).
We are definitely realizing an increase in spread since implementing phase 2. I would like to suggest that the county take a step back to the second part of phase 1 to contain and further minimize the spread.
The public is growing increasingly concerned. There is an irrational surge in public “demand” for everyone to use/wear face masks. Although this has been recommended by the CDC and DOH in situations when social distancing cannot occur, it was never intended as a means of exclusive use without the other recommendations of social distancing and proper sanitation. I have already sent a letter concerning issues of wearing masks by restaurant employees for extended periods of time, however I believe it is important to note a few of the more serious concerns surrounding wearing of masks:
- humans are not meant to breathe in their own carbon dioxide, which happens when wearing a mask, especially for extended periods of time- this can cause fainting, labored breathing, dehydration and heat exaustion
- masks impede proper breathing
- other respiratory issues can and do develop from wearing masks for extended periods of time including respiratory infections
- masks give a false sense of security as the focus is no longer on social distancing, proper sanitation (including hand washing) or self-quarantine. Someone wearing a mask but not washing their hands is just as much at risk as if they did not wear a mask at all
- a face wearing ordinance/law/policy is IMPOSSIBLE to enforce
I do believe we/you already have a highly effective, predetermined solution at our fingertips built into Governor DeSantis’ step by step, phased in approach by simply taking a step back.
The resurgence in our county occurred when Phase 2 began. With Phase 2 came tourists from highly affected states (who are NOT abiding by the 14 self-quarantine guideline, nor is it an enforceable policy), larger group gatherings (50 is supposed to be the limit yet there are wedding receptions happening at the Embassy Suites in St Augustine Beach with 150 guests, and increased occupancy within businesses. With the implementation of Phase 2, the overall concern and practice of safety measures seemed to drop tremendously.
It appears to me that if we have not been able to enforce the current guidelines it makes no sense to continue to add more guidelines. Again, the easiest approach is to take a step back. Drop back to limiting group gatherings to 20-25, emphasis social distancing, better regulate travelers from out of state, distance all tables at restaurants to 6’ apart. I have been to restaurants where all employees are wearing masks, but the tables are less than 2 feet apart. Distancing is the most important key, not the use of masks(stated by the CDC)…..
In my own business, beginning Monday I will require customers wishing to enter my shop to wear a face covering or use the drive thru. I have purchased and am using on a nightly basis an ozone machine which effectively cleans, sanitizes and disinfects the air and exposed surfaces inside of my shop in an effort to protect my employees and customers.
Please, I implore you; please think about taking a step back at the next meeting in an effort to keep our community safe.
Very Sincerely,
Maggie Kostka
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