Editor:
It seems we have a Canadian version of coronavirus demonstrators yelling “give me liberty or give me death” in the person of our ex-mayor, John Henderson (“New balance needed in COVID-19 response,” April 24). He expresses a desire to suspend some social distancing and “accept the consequences.” And what would those consequences be? More of the elderly dying in care facilities or hospitals? More of our faithful workers in grocery stores, pharmacies and other essential businesses coming down with the virus? Hospitals unable to cope with the uptick in cases?
Does he, for example, have any idea how his restaurateur friends will reopen their limited spaces to include some social distancing, thus resulting in eight or 10 customers, maximum? Hard to make ends meet that way! Yes, he believes that we should “effectively care for our elderly,” but we now know that a large part of the solution would be to end the domination of for-profit care facilities. They need to be run under the aegis of the provincial government health authorities, which have proven to be better caregivers than corporations with profit-driven owners and shareholders. I’m not sure that Mr. Henderson’s politics could encompass this move.
While we all feel for the local workers who are not able to reopen safely, medical experts across the world warn that easing restrictions too soon will result in many more deaths and serious illness. Are you willing to assume some guilt for this occurrence on the Coast, Mr. Henderson?
Gail Riddell, Sechelt
