Letters to the editor: Coronavirus, July 4, November election
Wearing masks
I’m noticing that I am seeing less and less people wearing masks as I go into supermarkets these days. The same people that aren’t wearing masks are also the ones who ignore that entrance-only and exit-only signs, They don’t seem to notice that many stores have put arrows making aisles one way, to promote social distancing. This all while COVID cases are once again on the rise. Yesterday I ... waited a good 5 minutes, trying to socially distance, while the woman ahead of me meticulously wiped down her chart. She had no mask on. The virus is much less likely to be spread from objects to humans, but go ahead, wipe down your cart. The minute you touch something that someone else touched before you, and then touch your cart, you have defeated the effects of the wipe-down. You know how the virus is spread? It is spread from those invisible droplets that come from your mouth. I cover my mouth and nose to keep you safe. It would be nice if you practiced the same courtesy. Masks are uncomfortable. I am an RN, 12 hours masked. You can manage a few minutes!
Michal Voloshen, Boise
Health districts
I’ve always thought our regional health district setup, without any apparent overall authority, was a bit dicey. Now I know the harm it can do. Central District Health, which includes Ada County, had the courage to close the county’s bars when the virus spiked. Southwest District Health, on the other hand, which includes Canyon County, which is also spiking, did not. As a result what we will have is twenty-somethings from Ada County driving 45 minutes to Nampa and Caldwell in order to go to the bars. Not only will that mean more coronavirus cases, but it will almost certainly mean a lot more DUIs, accidents and potential fatalities. I don’t know who has the power, but somebody needs to straighten this out. Quickly. In lieu of anyone else, I am looking at you, Gov. Little, and your director of Health and Welfare. After all, the public health is ultimately the state’s responsibility.
Jean McNeil, Boise
Fourth of July division
Divisiveness can be deadly. We found that out when our nation went to war with itself in 1861. The pandemic of 2020 has toned down our normal public celebration of America’s birthday, offering a needed “timeout” from our routine partying to consider instead the flares of violence in America, both political and physical; to consider the danger our nation faces if fear-inflamed divisions continue to burn so deeply, and for how long.
Mike Winter, Boise
Public safety
Wearing a mask and physical distancing have become controversial with some people. Recently, several friends and I were wearing masks, on our way to a rally at the Statehouse to support health care workers and Black Lives Matter. A passing stranger who was not wearing a mask spat out the words, “ There go the sheep!” I am an RN and act on the advice of the CDC and public health to prevent COVID-19 infections. Our group will continue to follow the recommendations. New infection cases are surging in Boise and Ada County. I wonder if people who disregard public health advice have a false sense of what makes us independent or free? Be brave and considerate by wearing a mask and practicing safe physical distancing. We can help limit the spread by effective actions.
Ingid Brudenell, Boise
Gov. Little and virus
On Tuesday, June 30, Gov. Little made the following statements: He doesn’t want to mandate masks “when people won’t do it,” and that he may have to rethink it “if it gets worse.” The first statement shows an appalling lack of strong leadership, and to the second I must ask, since for the past several say diagnoses have continually increased, what number of sick or dying people is acceptable to him?
Kathy Dzuck, Boise
November election
Why is Idaho dawdling on the issue of absentee ballots for the remaining elections in 2020? Even if counties could staff all precincts, in-person voting would put the volunteers working at polling stations, voters, schoolchildren and others who use polling places at risk of COVID-19. Idaho and many states are seeing a surge. We have no idea where we will be in the pandemic, except that it will still be with us. Asking the Legislature to make the decision will result in a nondecision. Having the secretary of state provide hand sanitizer to election offices is not enough. Thank you, Governor Little, for allowing the May primary to be held by mail.
Diane McConnaughey, Boise