I wholeheartedly agree with the letter about wearing masks from James Montgomery (“Local businesses: Mask up, or I’ll walk away,” published Nov. 4).

Masks are not political — they save lives. This virus has no political agenda. When you wear a mask you not only protect yourself, you protect all those around you and the children and seniors and friends who may be more vulnerable than the average adult.

The more we disregard the reasons for wearing masks in public places the more people will get sick, the more families will be affected, the more seniors will die or have serious side effects that will ruin their quality of life. Some of these loved ones will die alone because it is not safe to visit them. It will mean it will take much longer to get our lives back to normal including family get togethers, visiting people in hospitals and assisted living, schools, movies, being able to go to the library and on and on.

Patricia Nehring

Enumclaw