We know why

A “shocking” revelation was provided to us by the recent letter (“Find the answers,” Letters to the Editor, Dec. 12). The author informed us that the residents in ZIP code 87507 have a dramatically higher level of COVID-19 cases than the surrounding areas. He further suggests that in order to mitigate the spread, local authorities should “communicate to residents and businesses to take preventive measures, call for shutdowns and urge people to self-quarantine.”

Residents of ZIP code 87507 comprise the poorest segment of the Santa Fe population. This segment is characterized by higher levels of poverty, less access to quality health care and substandard housing. This is where your housekeeper, gardener, landscaper, grocery store clerk, nursing home worker, roofer, restaurant cook and waitress could be living. Many of these residents work in “essential” occupations that do not provide paid sick leave. If you look at the New Mexico map showing virus cases by county, three of the five counties with a higher number of cases (Sandoval, McKinley and San Juan) have high concentrations of Native Americans with similar characteristics as those in 87507. This is not a coincidence.

I suggest to you that we have “known the answers” for a long time. As a country, we have been unwilling to do anything about it. This horrible pandemic has simply amplified our shortcomings.

Joe Padilla Santa Fe