The decision the Umatilla County Board of Commissioners made last week to reinstate mask requirements for county employees, and for residents visiting county buildings, was the right one.

The decision was unfortunate, at least in the sense it was probably inevitable, judging by the way the COVID-19 cases are surging in the county.

The county decision means all its employees put on facemasks anywhere outside their workspace and when someone visits their desk. Also, people who attempt to enter the county courthouse without wearing masks will be denied access.

At first glance the decision may seem almost routine in this age of COVID-19, but it also should show just how critical the surge is. That’s because a county courthouse is one of the most visible and relevant structures of democracy in America. Residents should expect to be able to have access to a place where the people’s business is conducted.

But the COVID-19 outbreak is extremely serious and, so far, apparently out of control. Cases in the county are climbing at an alarming rate. The situation is made even more frustrating because there are ample supplies of COVID-19 vaccines available. In short, there now exists a tool that is safe and effective that can protect residents from the infection, yet the county is in the middle of an outbreak with no end in sight.

Of course, the government can’t — and should not — be in the business of forcing people to get a vaccine. However, when cases of COVID-19 surge — as they are now — that means there will be consequences, such as new mandates for county employees and new rules on access to the courthouse.

The commissioners made the right decision. In fact, they made really the only decision they could in a situation we now face as a county.

While the new surge in COVID-19 cases may seem to be surprising to many, the fact is the virus never really disappeared. The lifting of state restrictions at the end of June did not signal a victory over the virus. What it did mean was the threat level — because of the availability of vaccines — was lower than in the past.

No one wants to go back to restrictions or to the constant donning of masks, but until the virus case load diminishes, that may be the only way to try to stop the spread.

The commissioners made a good decision. We just hope such decisions don’t become the norm in the future.