VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

MCNEIL DEFENSIVE

Watching Monday's press conference, I was concerned when Premier Stephen Mcneil took a decidedly defensive stand when a journalist asked a reasonable question about staffing at long-term care facilities. The premier didn't answer the question, saying this was not the time to take up beefs around labour and homes.

I understand the need to come together to fight COVID-19, but don't forget, fully 50 per cent of all virus-related deaths in Canada have been at long-term care facilities. This is a staggering percentage. While steps have been taken at the federal and provincial levels to address staffing issues, this crisis is also an opportunity to address long standing problems at these facilities which, unfortunately, are only being exposed now.

The premier, Dr. Robert Strang and thousands of workers are doing a fine job under trying circumstances. But it's time to squarely address nursing home issues, not deflect them. My mother is in a local home which just had its first declared case of COVID-19.

Andy Gillis, Halifax

FOOD CHALLENGE

COVID-19 has caused profound disruptions. Yet, history will record whether we can rise to the challenge and feed the planet's population.

The global food system operates in a “just-in-time” fashion where food is rapidly grown, processed and sold. Unravel one link and the whole system collapses. Unlike other luxuries, we cannot live without food. It's often suggested we are only nine meals away from anarchy, meaning if urban centres do not receive food shipments, there would only be enough food in the supermarkets for nine meals.

Minor interruptions result in concern, yet if resumption of the food supply was threatened, the result would be terror. Globally, we are seeing vital cogs in food supply grind to halt; the results are catastrophic. Crops are rotting in the field; milk is being dumped down the drain. We need a serious discussion about allowing farms, processors and food retailers to continue producing, even if workers begin testing positive for COVID-19.

People protest on their wallet but riot on their stomach. The prospect of shutting down the food supply is not one we want to entertain. Jared Schenkels, Stewiacke

PATIENCE NEEDED

I understand the frustration in Don Stoltz's letter (“Parks not problem,” April 15) with parks being closed.

I was a runner in my younger years and enjoyed running in Point Pleasant Park. As my body complained about my running, I began to hike along woodland trails. I would love to be able to walk in areas that are now closed.

The reason we have regulations is because we, as humans, have continually demonstrated our inability to regulate ourselves. I am certain Stoltz would not violate social distancing requirements, as I know I wouldn't. Unfortunately, those of us who are more responsible in regulating our behaviours are affected by those who can't. We will just have to have patience and adjust, until this is over.

John Cameron, Halifax

BALANCING RIGHTS

So, all of a sudden, people need to walk and with that, their civil rights are violated because parks and trails are closed. What a terrible situation — get exercise or catch a virus you could die from.

Civil rights are important, but spreading the virus is against my civil rights, too. The premier and Dr. Strang are right, stay home!

I don't think there are people lining up to die, but it seems they must get their walks in. Use the most uncommon thing that there is, common sense. I don't want to die and I don't think you do, either.

Harold Macpherson, HRM