Don’t wait for the weekend closures – stay home, police plead

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Before the mayor’s weekend-park-closure announcement, we got this from Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis:

To our West Seattle and South Park Community,

Please keep in mind, especially during the warmer weather where the urge to congregate in City parks and other public spaces is at its zenith, we still are on a mission to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Health and Government officials recommend avoiding large gatherings and maintaining at least a 6 feet distance from other people. This reduces the chance of contact with those knowingly or unknowingly carrying the infection. The CDC also recommends wearing some type of personal protective equipment while in public settings where social distancing is difficult and or to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

Also, remember that the risk of severe Illness may be different for everyone, anyone can get and spread COVID-19 and everyone has an important role to play in slowing the spread and protecting themselves, their family, and their community. Your West Seattle officers will continue to address our area’s crime issues but will also take the opportunity to remind our community members of the current social distancing mandates and its importance. That said, please stay healthy and safe as we continue our fight against this invisible enemy.

As noted here earlier this week, here’s how the virus is affecting SPD.

just wondering April 9, 2020 (6:59 pm)

Stay home. Stay safe. Stay healthy.

Problem April 9, 2020 (8:39 pm)

I have seen more young people relaxing the rules today for the first time since this started. there were several groups of teenagers and preteens at Madison middle school huddling, looking at each other’s phones this afternoon and evening. I feel like such a jerk bringing this up but it is concerning and I thought “ We are going to see resurgence of covid 19”

Super Dummy April 10, 2020 (8:22 am)

The horror! Young people enjoying their personal Liberty instead of staying inside being brain washed by dis-social media

Used to be WS April 9, 2020 (10:30 pm)

Please, please, please stay home! That means don’t go for a drive to your favorite little town getaway, too! Our tiny town on Hood Canal was OVERRUN by visitors already today. We are all diligently doing our part to stay home, please do yours. There are actually people who live in these towns.

Mj April 10, 2020 (7:32 am)

I will not be staying home, I will be exercising on my bike as permitted by the Governor. The weather will be nice and exercise is very important. People who exercise and Stay Healthy are less effected by the virus!

Go gull April 10, 2020 (9:31 am)

We are all having to make sacrifices and limit our activities out of the home right now. Just because we ‘can’ still ride our bikes and go outdoors for exercise and it’s healthy, doesn’t mean we should freely do this as much as we would want. The message has been very clear, limit going out as much as possible, stay home.

I am a cyclist who would normally be out on my bike several times a day, most days. I have been on one ride in the past week, because I’m trying to do my part, and I wore a bandana ‘mask’ in areas where there were more people out. Yeah it sucks, but people dying from covid-19 sucks more.

If your activity going out is business as usual, you’re doing this wrong.

There are ways to exercise at home to supplement your usual activities. For example, it’s a very good time to start a yoga practice. Lots of videos and programs online.

I’m not saying don’t ride your bike at all, but the attitude of not adjusting or being unwilling to relinquish your usual routines and wants, when we’re being asked to stay home as much as possible, is selfish.
- DB April 10, 2020 (11:09 am)
  
  I do love the concept that freedom and liberty are selfish. Amazing how quick people’s thoughts can be changed. I’ll be out on my bike today, tomorrow and sunday. Hope to see ya out there!
  - Go gull April 10, 2020 (11:56 am)
    
    Yep, being unwilling to temporarily sacrifice some of your freedom and liberty, during a pandemic, to help save others lives, possibly even yours, is selfish.
    
    Enjoy the ride, but perhaps take notice that not all cyclists are out there with you, some are being responsible and reducing their time out right now, even though it sucks. If all Seattle cyclists went on rides today, tomorrow, and Sunday, that would generate crowds.
    
    Doing the right thing isn’t always easy or convenient.

Mj April 10, 2020 (11:04 am)

Go gull – you can stay home if you want to, I will be out riding my bike enjoying the nice weather! I am social distancing and using sanitizing wipes at the grocery store that are pragmatic items, but I will not be cooped up at home.

Go gull April 10, 2020 (11:47 am)

I don’t ‘want’ to stay couped up at home. You’re missing the point.

Glad you will be biking some, and that’s great that you are social distancing and using sanitizer, but we’ve also been asked to limit our activities outside our home.

I will continue to try to make choices that aren’t just about what I want to do when I want to do them, and will limit some of my activities, to contribute to the effort of saving lives.

The advice is, ‘stay home, stay healthy,’ not, ‘stay home, stay healthy, but go ride your bike as much as you want!’

Every time you go out, there are opportunities of exposure with others, even when your intention is to social distance, there are still risks.

Sorry, comment time is over.