Precautions insufficient for way virus behaves

I’m writing to express my concern that adequate steps are not being taken to protect citizens from covid-19. New research covered by the New York Times was headlined “239 Experts With One Big Claim: The Coronavirus is Airborne.”

The virus is emitted when an infected person breathes or talks. Previously we were told the virus was only emitted by coughing or sneezing. The larger particles emitted from a cough or sneeze fall to the ground mostly within a few feet. The smaller particles remain floating in the air, traveling a room quickly.

Furthermore, the virus can be picked up by air conditioning systems and possibly contaminate a whole building.

In light of this new research, six-foot social distancing indoors is not adequate.

It seems our agencies (Centers for Disease Control) that establish and publish guidelines for covid-19 protection are lagging behind with new advice for our protection. In the meantime, people are dying.

Of course, there are varying degrees of protection with mask use, depending on the mask. N95 masks are highly protective but are difficult to obtain, probably because they are going to medical professionals, and rightly so. Other masks — surgical masks, homemade masks, etc. — are not so effective, according to my reading.

This information makes it more imperative that people work from home as much as possible, avoid contact with others, especially large groups.

In Arkansas, there’s talk of opening schools, where it will be impossible to keep a mask on a child. Some children who have contracted the disease (even if they display mild symptoms) are left with permanent brain damage, heart damage, kidney and other organ damage.

It is not worth the risk to children and school staff. Nationwide, we are releasing prisoners from prisons because the risk to their safety is too high. But we’re planning to send our precious children, teachers and staff into school buildings where hundreds or thousands may be breathing the same air. Our governor should be ashamed. This is unconscionable.

In the beginning of the pandemic Gov. Hutchinson said he was not going to shut down the state, but he hoped Arkansans would use good judgment by wearing masks, avoiding crowds, etc. Now his tune has changed: It’s OK to risk the lives of our children.

A child can catch up academically when this pandemic nightmare is over. A permanently injured child or a dead child is something none of us want to even think about.

I’m asking people to relay this research information to their acquaintances. If you’re so inclined, call the CDC (as I have) to ask why new, safer guidelines are not forthcoming. Demand the guidelines are changed. Let’s get the word out for the health and safety of all of us. SUSAN MCGAUGHEY

West Fork