A Seattle-area school administrator turned to social media to suggest a more natural approach to battling COVID-19 – including an end to the incessant onslaught of government mandates and executive orders.
“Let the virus become endemic and run its course, it’s here to stay,” Jake Kuper, chief financial officer for the Issaquah School District, posted on his personal Facebook account this week, according to local reports.
“What’s the end game with all this? Masks, vaccines and limiting freedoms for how long? My family has been in Washington for seven generations and this is the first time in my life that I despise this state.”
The social media statement invited a strong response from at least one local health official.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but that’s a very misinformed opinion and dangerous opinion to share with others,” Seattle and King County health officer Dr. Jeff Duchin said Friday during a news briefing. “Letting the virus run its course will result in an unacceptable number of people becoming ill, developing long COVID, being hospitalized and dying.”
Issaquah School District students are scheduled to return to class on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Kuper, the Seattle Times reports, is involved in labor negotiations with teachers, including an agreement that covers health and safety conditions, causing some parents to question how well the district will implement COVID rules.
But he has no authority to implement health mandates. That power lies with superintendent Ron Thiele, a school district spokesperson told reporters.