Let them come

The editorial in last’s Saturday’s Guardian, plus a couple of letters to the editor, criticized the provincial government’s decision to allow seasonal residents to come to the Island as of June 1.

They would pose too great a health risk in these days of COVID-19 paranoia, the argument went. There were also some divisive postings on social media aimed at the premier and chief public health officer, Dr. Heather Morrison. And speaking of such negative actions, shame on the individual who thoughtlessly harassed the premier’s family. As the saying goes, “you can disagree without being disagreeable.” According to some of those respondents, you would think we were recklessly inviting hordes of the “unwashed” to invade our pristine Island.

Au contraire, I would suggest. These summer residents, mostly former Islanders, who have properties in other parts of the country as well as here, should be considered responsible and informed citizens. After all, they are not living in a vacuum somewhere unaware of the dangers posed by possible transmission of the coronavirus. Wherever they come from, no doubt they have been living under essentially the same health restrictions as we are here. After successfully getting past the hurdles at inter-provincial borders, once on the Island they must abide by strict protocols, including 14-day isolation in their cottage. So, what’s the problem? I say by all means let them come! David MacCallum, Charlottetown