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I lived in the Santa Cruz area through the COVID-19 pandemic and am now watching on my newsfeed as reports of bird flu, norovirus, RSV and COVID continue to expand. One question I have for city planners, businesses and the community: Why are there no real publicly available hand-washing areas?
It is the most basic level of hygiene, though for some reason it has been overlooked in lieu of chemical rubs and jabs. Visit Europe and you will see beautiful hand-washing fountains freely in the plazas (shout out to Staff of Life with a hand-washing sink in its courtyard unhindered by codes).
Some restaurants and grocery stores don’t even offer restroom access, even though the community of unhoused and unwashed, as well as pet lovers and other Cruzians, stroll through and touch food items at will. Also, Santa Cruz County does not have restaurant health grades posted. Go to enough coffee shops and watch how the baristas never wash their hands as they take your money, prep your latte and clean the countertops. Why are we as health-conscience, compassionate people not demanding the most basic tools for the community to stay healthy?
Brandon Quinn
Santa Cruz