COVID variants warrant caution in Phase 3

The variant that was described in your article “U.K coronavirus variant detected in Spokane County (Cheney Free Press, March 18)” seems to be dangerous because of how quickly and easily it spreads.

This seems like it can cause another spike of cases in the area since it is already being seen that the variant is found in people locally. We know that such diseases are contagious so local could even turn out national as people are still traveling.

Especially after Governor Inslee has allowed every county to go into phase 3 of the recovery plan where people will be able to gather more. I believe it might be too early to go into this phase as this variant has just been discovered locally. The phase right now might work but I would still change it to prevent us from starting from the beginning again.

To not have to restart like when COVID-19 barely started Phase 3 should be postponed for a later date, Inslee should wait until more people are vaccinated as currently the state has under 12% of population who are fully vaccinated, open for dining at restaurants again as I have experienced locally passing by restaurants where the parking lots are filled up. Doing a combination of the three possible solutions I believe will provide us with a better future outcome. At least, I hope.

I can already see many people will be unhappy that stuff closes back down for a bit because people are bored of being in quarantine and its hurting businesses. Also since there are a lot of people who have conspiracies about the vaccine there will be people who will not want to take it. Being patient has always been a good thing and right now that is what will help us get back to normal as soon as possible. As people do not gather and more people are vaccinated it will be less likely we will spread the new variant around.

You can find more information about how many people have been vaccinated at https://www.seattlemet.com/health-and-wellness/how-many-people-have-received-a-coronavirus-vaccine-in-washington .

Cytlalli Espino

Pasco