I have concerns about the state of Washington fully re-opening businesses and going back to “business as usual” before all Washington state residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as I feel this is dangerous.

Regarding all businesses and venues re-opening with “normal” parameters in June 2021, I strongly believe that vaccination cards proving that a person has received both shots in the COVID-19 series, or at least the Johnson and Johnson one-time shot, two weeks prior to the date they visit a business should be carried and required for all Washington residents, and they should be asked to show it upon entering a restaurant, bowling alley, movie theater, gym, or other place of entertainment, recreation, museums, etc.

Stores should ask to see it at the checkout counter, and give incentives, such as 10 percent off at the register to anyone who can produce their vaccination card along with ID to prove they are the person named on the proof of vaccination.

All restaurants and indoor places of recreation/entertainment need to have “vaccination card required” posted (for indoor seating at restaurants). Non-vaccinated customers can be referred to outdoor seating or offered a takeout option.

This is on the heels of the “masks required” signs I have seen on most area businesses, so it is a logical next step, in my opinion.

People should have to show their vaccination card to travel on mass transit vehicles as well, such as city buses, trains, the light rail, and especially airplanes.

If people realize that the only way to have the privilege of flying somewhere on a plane, eating inside a restaurant, going to the gym, or doing all of the normal things they used to do (that are points of transmission for COVID), they need to go ahead and just get vaccinated.

Unfortunately, there is a segment of the population that is either refusing or waiting on getting vaccinated. They need to understand that the vaccines are not only safe and effective, but they are not part of any sort of conspiracy.

God gave us these vaccines to combat this pandemic and protect us from it. He used the doctors and scientists who developed these vaccines to help us overcome this pandemic. He gave them the MRNA formula they needed, allowing them to discover it, which was a miracle in itself.

Protect yourself, protect your family, protect your community.

People are dying right now in other countries for lack of this vaccine, and we have it. Please do the right thing and get your COVID-19 shot(s). It’s free, funded by the federal government.

These shots are a gift from God.

Please accept this gift he gave us to protect us, restore our economy, and help us get back to normal.

Beth Hunt

Enumclaw