Saturday's letters: Walk on the right side for everyone's safety

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As the weather improves, cooped-up people will be going for walks. I suggest that you always walk on the same side as you drive, i.e., on the right. This will prevent you from coming cheek-to-jowl with someone else, and minimize your chances of catching or spreading the virus.

In fact, you and others will be following each other, hopefully, at a safe two-metre distance. This is particularly important on narrow residential sidewalks where parents may be pushing strollers.

Sudha (Sue) Tuli, Edmonton

Kenney performing admirably in crisis

Jason Kenny has been doing an admirable job under the most dire circumstances. To face the collapse of world oil prices along with a crippling pandemic would test the mettle of all but the strongest. Kudos to him under this horrendous situation.

When direction of action dictates changes almost by the hour, it would do well for the critics to pause and consider how they can contribute rather than criticize.

Ted Holtby, Edmonton

Report on lockdown’s economic toll as well

I have noticed that the reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic has been rather one-sided. All the reports come from the medical establishment and their attendant horror stories, and the politicians who feed on them.

We should be getting more reporting on how the lockdown affects the personal lives of small businessmen and how they are trying to stay in business, servers who have suddenly lost all their income or towns like Banff that have been virtually deserted by tourists. The public should be made fully aware of the enormous burden we have placed on society with this lockdown.

That way, we can better evaluate whether the progress we make on the disease front is worth the destruction on the personal lives and economy.

Gerhard Henkemans, Edmonton

More uplifting stories would be appreciated

Your coverage of the pandemic is great, as is the TV coverage. However, most of us are stuck at home and starting to feel depressed. Will you consider doing a “Happy Page”? Not comic strips, just some feel-good stories.

Kathy Parker, Edmonton

Criticism of Dr. Tam shameful, unhelpful

Re. “Kenney Promises To Get Tough On Coronavirus,” David Staples, April 8

David Staples’ criticism of Dr. Theresa Tam and the federal government is both unhelpful and shameful during this time of pandemic. All of Canada’s public health officers and all levels of government are facing unprecedented challenges in trying to inform Canadians and contain the spread of COVID-19.

What’s to say that Alberta has the best plan? Staples should read Duane Bratt’s April 8 article on the nature of compliance in society. I’m sure that all of us will look back on decisions made during this time and identify both good decisions and those where we missed the mark.

I am far more concerned that we have an ideologically driven provincial government that has torn up its agreement with doctors without consultation and seems intent on continuing to forge ahead with its ill-conceived plans in the face of a pandemic and ongoing opposition from doctors.

I am concerned about a government that has as health minister, Mr. Tyler Shandro, who has demonstrated on more than one occasion that he does not have the character or competence to lead during this time.

Harry Wagner, Edmonton

How do you define COVID-19 recovery ?

Re. “3,100 Albertans could die from virus: Kenney,” April 8

In Lisa Johnson’s excellent article in Wednesday’s Edmonton Journal, mention is made of the Alberta government’s “relaunch strategy.” One critical element in such a strategy will be the reintegration into the workforce of people who have recovered from infection. Is full recovery assumed when an infected person becomes symptom-free?

I may have missed it, but what amount of immunity do recovered people have, how variable are the immunity rates, how soon after recovery are they immune and how long does their immunity last? Can we count on acquired immunity, or do we have to wait for the approval of an effective vaccine?

Fred McDougall, Edmonton

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