HASTE MAKES WASTE

Re: Gail Lethbridge's April 10 column, “Is Nova Scotia throwing COVID caution to the wind?”

I do not know what is prompting Premier Iain Rankin's move, at this time, to loosen COVID restrictions, but it is worrisome.

We've been watching the horrible circus of death in Ontario and Alberta, especially, but also in Quebec. In all three of those provinces, it is clear the premiers did not sufficiently heed the advice of the epidemiologists, infectious disease specialists and other physicians in the know. Instead, they veered toward the discomfort of citizens having to go through restrictions, and repeatedly expressed empathy for them, instead of clearly stating what people needed to do.

It is very hard for me and others to watch the half-measures and subsequent deaths in those provinces. We were lucky that former premier Stephen Mcneil heeded Dr. Robert Strang and his public health message.

This is not the time to diverge from Dr. Strang's view. Our COVID count in Nova Scotia is already creeping up, and the reproduction number of the virus is presently 1.59, reportedly the second highest reproduction number in Canada.

Premier Rankin, you really need to know the citizens trust Dr. Strang, because he has proven himself believable. You are the new kid on the block — untested and unproven.

Please be wise, and give in to the best advice of the epidemiologists and other infectious disease specialists. We are at a critical point. Please don't screw it up because you are in a hurry. You can't push the river.

Jane Macneill, Ben Eoin