Thumbs up, thumbs down
Thumbs up to continued evidence that flu has not taken hold in Connecticut this year. Yes, the number of cases rose by 10, but that only put the total number in the state to 88. Compare that 88 with the 11,149 people who tested positive for the flu a year ago. There also were 65 flu-associated deaths last year, while there has been one this flu season. Anyone still wondering about the effectiveness of masks in relation to COVID-19 should consider the likelihood that they have curtailed the spread of the flu.
Thumbs down to whoever hacked through two authorization steps into the Sandy Hook Elementary School’s security system. The Associated Press reported someone representing a group claiming responsibility that it was “not backed by any nations or capital but instead backed by a desire for fun ... and a better world.” There’s nothing “fun” or “better” about anything that can scare families. It’s also a reminder of how vulnerable security systems can be.
Thumbs down to sobering data about COVID-19 cases in Connecticut. It’s easy to be lulled as vaccination and reopening efforts move forward, but the number of cases in the state remains daunting. While the data indicates that COVID hospitalizations reached the lowest point (390) since Nov. 3, there are still people dying of it every day in Connecticut. Some businesses are unfortunately struggling because customers have not been rushing to return to old habits, but that’s also an indication that residents are wisely showing caution until the numbers drop more dramatically.
Thumbs up to legislation to expand background checks for private gun sales passing the U.S. House of Representatives and facing a vote in the Senate. It’s been too long a road to get it this far, and it still has little backing from Republicans despite public support. Still, elected officials need to remain steadfast to try to close a loophole that can save lives. Similar measures have been rejected several times in the Senate, including in the immediate aftermath of the shooting that killed 26 students and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012.