Village justified in holding events

I was disappointed in the Daily Herald editorial criticizing Elk Grove Village's decision to hold this year's outdoor events. The earliest events are planned for roughly 60 days away. You have to acknowledge that vaccines are widely available today. Elk Grove could go a step further, and host a vaccination event two weeks prior to the first concert or fest.

And, please keep in mind that holding the event without requiring masks does not prevent anyone who feels less safe from wearing their own mask and taking steps to minimize their own exposure. My personal decision to avoid an event does not mean everyone else has to make the same value judgment. And there is no reason to believe that the village would not change its plans if there were another new surge.

Public health officials only look at one side of the risks in relaxing restrictions. Yes, there may be more COVID infections as a result of Elk Grove's decision to hold large events. But there are soft economic and emotional costs to extending the restrictions longer than possible. It is unlikely the risk of contracting COVID will ever be zero again. We can't hold that as the only "safe" standard, after which we can let down our guard.

We are well on our way through Phase 4 of the reopening plan for Illinois. The qualifying measures to move to Phase 5 are not clearly defined, although the finding of a vaccine is identified as one requirement.

Most of us have been patient and careful for the past year. We've worn masks and avoided contact. Now we've gotten vaccines which have extraordinary effectiveness, and it is time to relax the restrictions.

Tim Hein

Palatine