VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

What is the truth about the coronavirus pandemic?

How can we understand reality if we’re not willing to seek truth unreported on mainstream news? Alternative perspectives on COVID-19 issues are being labelled as “conspiracy theories” (for example, your March 16 story: “Combatting COVID conspiracy theories: Nova Scotia professors explain the science behind why some people fear vaccines”). One-sided news stories are feeding public divisions and discouraging rigorous factchecking.

We need real investigative journalism that is inclusive of all sides (and peer-reviewed science). Why have we not heard about the Ontario Supreme Court case that challenges COVID-19 restrictions’ legality, led by constitutional lawyer Rocco Galati? Or the organization Police On Guard For Thee?

Why are storeowners not letting unmasked people inside when legal exemptions exist for people with health conditions and anyone who can be “reasonably accommodated” under the Human Rights Act? People with health conditions continue to be refused entry into stores, myself included. Public Health discourages businesses from requesting exemption notes (see s5.12 HPA). We aren’t being allowed to make informed decisions and our Godgiven rights are being breached.

We need to become investigative journalists and listen to each other. Let’s seek truth about the pandemic, no matter what the outcome.

May Hart, Antigonish Landing

SIMPLIFY BOOKING

Re: Paul Schneidereit’s April 9 column on the difficulties of booking a vaccination via the province’s COVID-19 web page. I also thought it was an “experience” and wanted to make a few points.

I’m the former system applications and products in data processing (SAP) training consultant for HRM. I designed training procedures, policies, videos and web pages that are being used to this day.

I went to book an appointment for 55-64 age group. After I picked 55-64, I assumed that all the locations listed were for this age group only. Then I noticed the age groups were bunched together. When you are scrolling down, I mistakenly assumed that since I had clicked on 55-64 age group, they’d show results for that age group only.

The front web page could have age categories, listed in a table. More tables, less scrolling. Do not combine the age groups on same pages; the age groups will start expanding soon.

I was excited because I found a vaccination spot only a 2.5-hour round-trip drive away. But wait! Wrong age group. I was told: Don’t worry, won’t accept it once you plug in your age. The point is, you are going through, plugging in your information. You are in a hurry so you don’t lose your spot.

This could be like an airplane ticket. Pick your date and time and the system should give you at least 10-20 minutes to complete your task. Your seat on that plane is spoken for. You might have to answer a call, go to the bathroom, make a coffee or answer the door. But to complete the form and be told you lost the spot because someone types faster? I can type 85 words per minute; most seniors do not. If the web page says the slot is available, then once you find an appointment and click on it, lock it in for us.

Perhaps move the “government response” to COVID-19 statement down to bottom. We are booking vaccine appointments. We are out here awaiting the third wave. There is so much to read, which we can do on our leisure time.

Another point: You have to book your vaccination according to Central, Eastern, Northern and Western zones. Do all people in Nova Scotia know exactly what districts those are? Perhaps a map to the right so we can see the districts at a glance? Maybe I will drive to the Eastern Zone to get a shot.

These communication folks at the province and health authorities are good at their jobs. It’s not a criticism; it’s a way to make it easier for us sitting out here booking our appointments. Sherry Hilchey, Musquodoboit Harbour

BRUCE MACKINNON