Put the vacations on hold
Perhaps the lesson to be learned from “State GOP consultant ill with virus rues mistake” (Aug. 5), about how veteran Republican political consultant Richard Costigan and members of his family contracted COVID19 after attending a family gathering in Georgia last month, is this: Don’t take a flight anywhere right now unless it’s absolutely necessary, and wear masks even when you’re outdoors with nonhousehold relatives. Unfortunately, our nation is still struggling to control outbreaks of the coronavirus this summer, and any vacations or trips to visit family must be put on hold.
Gregory Smithson, San Carlos
Pastor’s responsibility
In response to the writer of “Importance of worship” (Letters, Aug. 5) who defended the priest exposing his flock to the deadly COVID19 virus, I say this: In the midst of a pandemic, we all have to make sacrifices by temporarily giving up things that are important to us. It’s a pastor’s responsibility to encourage and support us in these difficult decisions. And one thing more he needs to realize: God gave us science. We ignore his gift at our peril.
David Wilcox, Walnut Creek
Play by the rules
The letter writer is entitled to his belief in supernatural things. But neither he, nor his fellow parishioners, are entitled to become infected with COVID19 in their churches and then go out into public and spread the disease to the larger community.
The letter writer claims that requirements to wear masks and avoid public gatherings only foster bitterness among his coreligionists. Well, that’s fine. Let them be bitter, if they choose to, but they must play by the rules of public health and safety.
Steven Heimoff, Oakland
Health comes first
Concerning “Beauticians say there’s better idea” (Business, Aug. 5): While I’m certain that cosmetologists sanitize suites where they offer personal grooming services, perhaps their concern should be less with the cleanliness of their operations and more with the health of themselves and their clients.
Without sufficient testing and tracing protocols in place, there’s no way of knowing if any of them have or were exposed to someone with COVID19. Right now, I’d love to get a nice manicure and hair styling, but will continue to defer to county health authorities who know better than anyone else about when I can do these things safely.
Felicia Charles, Millbrae
Plan for libraries
Regarding “Keep the books clean” (Letters, Aug. 4): I live in Stanislaus County, where we have been able to reserve books online since about the end of March. We reserve our book of choice and when it is available, we pick it up in a bin outside the library.
We do not go in, of course, as the libraries are closed. We return the book the same way. Each returned book is then cleaned and quarantined for three days before it is available to be checked out again. I have been doing this since the program started and found the books to be in clean condition. I am certain that such a procedure would be practiced by the San Francisco libraries just as it is in our small community to ensure the health and safety of all patrons.
Carol Barr, Riverbank
Keep the zoos open
Regarding “Zoos could be latest shutdown casualties” (Aug. 2): I don’t get it. The only indoor spaces the public enters at zoos aside from the bathrooms are nocturnal animal exhibits and the gift shop.
So close those two. The rest of zoo areas are spacious and outdoors, where people can socially distance, wearing masks. It makes even less sense to close zoos than it did to close dog parks. (After all, dogs could jump up and pull someone’s mask off!)
Rocky Leplin, Richmond
A lack of preventive measures
A photo accompanying the news article “Polarizing GOP candidate loses Kansas primary” (Aug. 5) shows Rep. Roger Marshall, RKan., speaking to supporters after defeating Kris Kobach in the Republican senatorial primary. None of them, including Marshall, are wearing face masks to prevent the spread of COVID19, and none of them are observing social distancing. If Dorothy were still around, she’d probably want to leave Kansas again and return to the Land of Oz.
Brandon DeGuzman, Daly City
Inequities among schools
As a retired educator, I’m not surprised to read “Elementary teachers: Rules to reopen favor private schools” (Front Page, Aug. 5). Charter and private schools not required to follow California’s stringent Common Core standards have higher staff turnover despite smaller class sizes and teachers who are not unionized or can engage in collective bargaining.
Since they operate outside all of these structures, they will surely seek waivers to reopen while public schools remain closed during this coronavirus pandemic. This health crisis is indeed shining a harsh light on the inequities between public and private schools, as well as the different attitudes that the families whose children attend them have about communal responsibility.
Julian Grant, Pacifica
Properly wear the face mask
Regarding “How some schools may open in person” (Aug. 4): The article suggesting schools could open provides clear evidence of why they should not. A photo shows a teacher at Freedom School wearing a mask — below her nose. If teachers can’t get it right, how can we expect students, parents and all those with whom they interact to be safe?
Pat Marriott, Los Altos
Remembering Ralph Barbieri
Regarding “Ralph Barbieri 19462020” (Aug. 4): Bravo and thank you for that fascinating, lucid and tearproducing obituary for Ralph Barbieri!
David Fielding, San Francisco