Cuba setting standard for virus response
As usual, Dr. Bonnie Henry used words of compassion and intelligence in her comments about modelling in this age of COVID-19. When she spoke of 鈥減ossibilities compared to other places in the world,鈥� I thought of Cuba.
Statistics (from worldometers.info/coronavirus) are showing: as of April 25, deaths in countries as a percentage of population: Canada ranks sixth, the U.S. ranks 10th, Cuba ranks second.
As to deaths per million of population worldwide, Canada was at 61, the U.S. was at 150, Cuba was at five.
I would like to share some of the actions Cuba has taken against the spread of COVID-19. Students looking to become doctors in their third, fourth and fifth years are sent by the university into the communities knocking on doors to do 鈥渃linical surveys鈥� to determine possible infections of COVID-19 virus. Any possible cases are sent to hospital or immediate isolation.
Citizens are following rules of precaution such as wearing masks and washing hands and isolating, as in Canada.
Even though the unreasonable blockade by the U.S. against Cuba persists, medical research facilities have developed drugs that seem to be helping in cases all over the world where the Cuban government sends doctors to help cure COVID-19 patients.
My hope is that Canada will work in co-operation with countries such as Cuba who offer aid and are making advances toward lessening the life of COVID-19.
Ruth Caspell
Nanaimo
Small-business owners denied rent relief
COVID-19 is testing our very sense of what it means to be a community. We have seen the best in people and businesses. And, occasionally, we have seen the worst.
This crisis tests each of us and our individual role as community members. We each have to sacrifice something for the greater good.
I have three friends who each run a small business. As I write, each one of them is on the brink of survival. Each of them is dealing with a landlord who will not give them a break on their rent, despite having access to a federal government fund established for just this purpose.
One of my friends is a young businesswoman who had to close her recently opened hair salon.
The salon is her dream. And she would 鈥� in the right circumstances 鈥� make a great success of it. She is bright and hard working. But the owner of her property has refused to give her a break. He intends to keep charging her full rent, every month, without fail.
We want our city to thrive, not perish. And, isn鈥檛 it better business to ensure that everyone makes it through?
Tim Willis
Victoria
Cyclists should slow down on trails
As I rode my bike along Lochside Trail on Sunday, it was wonderful to see so many people on their bikes enjoying themselves.
What is not good in this scenario is the speed at which many cyclists ride on trails where there are walkers, small children, seniors and horses. I聽would guess the top speeds of some聽are 40 to 45 km/h, which is a danger to everyone including other cyclists.
Surely, those cyclists who wish to travel at maximum speeds should be on the designated bike lanes on the highways and streets. I have also noticed that few cyclists are ringing a bell or announcing their approach as they pass others.
It is always better to prevent an accident than wait for one to happen.
Eloise Berry
Saanich
Add solar panels to Vic High project
Re: 鈥淰ic High鈥檚 $80M, two-year reno will go ahead in August,鈥� April 29.
As someone who promoted the idea of photovoltaic solar panels on the new Vic High roof to the minister of education, the school board and the Vic High Parent Advisory Council, I am deeply saddened that there is no mention of solar panels on the new building.
Youth across the world are asking adults to take the climate crisis seriously.
Solar panels on the new building would have been a symbol and daily reminder to students as they walk to school that we adults are listening to their concerns.
It鈥檚 not too late to do the right thing and add solar panels.
Jim Pine
Victoria
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