Health officials should offer more detail about cases

My heart goes out to all people and their families who have experienced having been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Our family has experienced the existence of the virus in a home where our loved one resides. We are so grateful for the extensive testing that had been done, after an employee tested positive. Our first positive case was reported on March 15. It was linked to travel and we also were given facts about a possible second case. For the first few weeks, data and facts were reported with confirmed cases.

But now, we only hear of outbreaks in hospitals, nursing and retirement homes. The term outbreak sounds devastating, but there only has to be one positive case to determine an outbreak.

As of late we have more cases reported with no facts or data attached to them. I ask the question “Why?” to our medical officer of health, Dr. Rosana Salvaterra.

Case in point: An employee at the Lansdowne Street Walmart tested positive. I want to personally thank the employee who notified The Examiner, so all citizens were made aware. Workers at the Chemong Walmart also tested positive. I have to now question why both Walmart stores did not close for a few days for a deep clean. That was happening in the beginning in the province, and as of late a Loblaws Superstore has closed in Toronto area for just that reason.

I agree with Dr. Salvaterra when she informs us of the larger risk we take being around crowds such as grocery stores. But I have to question why we were not informed of this second store. Dr. Salvaterra is quoted: “The cases were investigated and deemed not to pose a public health risk” but in the same breath, she says we take a larger risk acquiring the virus grocery shopping.

I believe all citizens should be made aware of the facts, data and demographics of reported cases, so then, we can map and see how the virus is spreading. And we will have the option of making educated choices for ourselves. We rely heavily on their expertise right now and are grateful for their guidance as we all go through this unknown territory called COVID-19.

Annie Hansford, Peterborough