[dekobon]

I encourage you to write your local politicians to encourage policy changes that would encourage people to self-quarantine or to seek treatment for infectious diseases. I wrote the following to my state senators:

Many people currently are concerned about the corona virus outbreak. I believe that Washington state can take the lead in medical policy decisions that would help to mitigate the effect of the disease on the most vulnerable members of our state.

There are two key legislative gaps that prevent people from seeking proper care for infectious diseases:

1. A lack of legislation protecting peoples’ jobs when taking leave for treatment or diagnosis for an infectious disease.

2. The high potential cost of medical care when seeking treatment or diagnosis for an infectious disease. Although many people have health care in Washington state, many have high deductibles that are so high that they may choose paying their rent over treatment.

I am not a medical professional nor a medical policy expert, but an ordinary citizen of your district and these gaps are frightening. Please help Washington be a national leader in infectious disease policy.

[bjourne]

> I encourage you to write your local politicians to encourage policy changes that would encourage people to self-quarantine or to seek treatment for infectious diseases.

Isn't that easier said than done if you have no paid sick leave?