Letters to the editor for April 8
We can mobilize in a crisis
The coronavirus (COVID-19) appeared suddenly and stirred action on all levels. People are sacrificing their normal lives, surrendering convenience and comfort, and changing their lives for the common good.
This crisis is being handled in a top-down manner. Governments around the globe have recognized the danger and ordered drastic actions: quarantine, the closing of businesses, and diligent hygiene practices. Most of us here in Thurston County have heard the doctors, scientists, and pandemic experts, are heeding their warnings, and are making life changes to save lives around the world.
Like the coronavirus, climate change threatens the health and safety of our friends, family, communities, and country. The coronavirus response proves we can undertake the necessary actions to address climate change. Large-scale government cooperation is possible. Individuals can sacrifice and accept inconvenience for the good of all and for the future of our planet.
‘Hoarding’ may not be what you think
We need to return to basic civility and stop nasty public shaming about hoarding.
It is important to not hoard unnecessarily. However, please be aware that people buying multiple bulk items may be the ones that really need them.
Some are older or have medical concerns and are planning on staying away from the public until this blows over. Others could be like the family that owns my sister’s Adult Family Home, who shop for 16 residents and shut-in staff. AFHs care for up to eight residents who are elderly, developmental disabled, or have mental illnesses. To protect their residents, caregivers are limiting how often they need to shop, and wear masks when making these trips.
But they have been yelled at in the aisles as they buy more than one jug of hand soap. People have walked up to them and deliberately “coughed” in their faces. I am sure that, being Filipino, they encounter virus-escalated racial abuse.
It is mentally exhausting for the staff of AFHs to provide care of their charges right now. Many of their residents have little tolerance for upheavals in their schedule, react to being shut in with their housemates, and are not able to have visits from family. AFHs face the same shortage of protective equipment but, being small and private, they do not have the weight of medical centers to help with access. They are caring for my sister, whom I love.
Let’s stop adding to the stress. Stop. Please, folks, let’s just stop.
Use colleges to house patients
Temporary medical facilities can be set up in dorms at closed universities and colleges. Like at The Evergreen State College. Many have unused cafeterias for food prep as well. This would cost nothing for facility use. This can be done by executive order of the governor.