Letter to the Editor: Social distancing

Dear Editor:

I am confused. The surgeon general and the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have gone on national TV and suggested that we stay at home, maintain social distance of 6 feet if we are out in emergencies, and to wear face masks.

When I watch the news, I see people who should know better in close proximity and wearing no masks.

Some of the people I have seen not following the rules are:

Firefighters applauding healthcare workers at Jamaica Hospital in Queens, NY.

Sheriff deputies in Riverside standing in attention honoring fallen colleagues.

Mayor Garcetti and public health officials in a press briefing.

Lines at supermarkets with people only separated by the length of a shopping cart.

President Trump and his Covid-19 task force holding press conferences.

Finally, President Trump saying that he will not wear a mask. I guess he thinks he is invincible but is a bad example for the rest of us more common mortals.

If people continue not complying with the recommendation about Covid-19, they are creating the possibility that the pandemic will become endemic.

History will then be written by the Covid-19 virus.

Jorge Montero
Downey

Dear Editor:

On April 6, the City of Downey posted a photo of a fairly large group of Downey police officers outside a Downey residence with a fair number of officers joining with perhaps residents gathered to celebrate a young boy’s birthday.

I don’t know the whole story, but the April 6 Facebook post read: “Today, Downey Police Officers helped in wishing a happy 6th birthday to little Jr., and had the entire block participate in cheering along as they wished him happy birthday from their front yard, all while social distancing! Happy Birthday again Jr.! 🎂”

One of the comments was, “ Gheez, no wonder Downey’s numbers are spiking. I appreciate the intention, but this is so irresponsible.”

We care about our very special DPD, and all of our city residents. We are the community. We want to conquer this public health pandemic. And we care about the increasing number of daily confirmed Downey resident Covid-19 cases (71 as of April 6), those in ICU, a death, suspected cases, and Downey’s projected high rate of infection per 100,000 population.  There is already an impact on PIH and Kaiser.

And I am sure there are more cases we are unaware of.

What’s wrong with this picture?

The coronavirus-prevention tagline is literally just, “Stay home to stop the spread of coronavirus,” not “Stay home, unless you really want to go out and stay 6 feet apart”

Alistair Hunter
Downey

Dear Editor:

When I saw “My Quarantine Diary,” I immediately assumed our illustrious Patriot editor had unfortunately caught Covid-19.

But upon reading the article, it was readily apparent he was merely sheltering in place like the majority of us. He was going out for coffee, and was, ahem, traveling over to South Gate to shop, and leave the attending sales tax in that city.

So, was Mr. Pierce quarantined? Technically not. If one is quarantined, you may not leave your residence.

Of course, this is a matter of semantics, but we Downeyites demand perfection from our Patriot editor.

Just kidding! Stay safe, Eric.

Jack Russell
Downey