Dear Editor,
The coronavirus (Covid 19) has spread all over the world. We will all be in contact with Covid 19 eventually – but most of us will never know we have it or had it unless we test positive; that is we will be asymptomatic –no symptoms, no problems. Most all of us will survive.
For sure there are those at risk; those with underlying health conditions as diabetes, heart conditions, cancer. Italians were hit hard, but of those who died the average age was 80. Most of those already were ill, and the World Health Organization estimated that half of the aged, infirm in Italy would have have died in 2020 anyway. We’ve seen this in Yellowstone County where at last count 10 residents have died in one nursing home. And nearly all staff and residents have now tested positive. It’s almost certain that a member of the staff was infected but asymptomatic (no symptoms), came to work, and infected others before testing was done.
This is where the fight against Covid 19 must be focused – to try keep those with existing health issues (certainly those in nursing homes) from contact with the bug as long as possible. The rest of us need to get back to work, and get back to school. The Governor has issued guidelines: wear masks when inside, try to stay 6’ apart, wash/sanitize hands frequently. Some reasonable directions to protect our loved ones.
I don’t care what the Democrats say – in Montana “We are All essential.”
Stu Deans
Billings, MT
