Editor:
The Physicians Task Force report informs us that there is COVID-19 testing now available and suggests that even those with mild cold or flu symptoms should arrange to be tested. I wonder if anyone has thought of the problem going to Sechelt to be tested poses for those without cars?
Even with normal bus service, taking the bus nearly always means getting to appointments too early and/or having a long wait for the bus back after – the wait can be an hour or so if you’ve just missed one. When coffee shops and libraries are open, this is not a big deal. But, since COVID, our buses are on the even sparser Sunday and holiday schedule and places to hang out are closed. In good weather, and if a person is fit, they can always take a nice walk, but if it is bad weather, and one really does feel ill, this is not advisable. If you’re observing the COVID rules, you can’t even sit in the bus shelter if there are too many people there. Due to social distancing, no one should have a friend drive them to be tested.
There seems to be an assumption that pretty much everyone drives, but a substantial minority of citizens are being ignored due to this assumption. To motivate people to be tested who should be, it would be good if COVID testing stations could be scattered, one in each community, not just centred in Sechelt.
I feel for the homeless who must deal, every day, with having nowhere to hang out and no public washrooms for the duration of this crisis.
Anne Miles, Gibsons
