A fatal mistake to ‘open up’ the country by Easter. Let the experts decide.

‘Open up’ by Easter? A fatal mistake

The United States recovered successfully from the Great Depression of the 1930s and recessions as recent as 1987, 2001 and 2008. We’ll certainly recover from this one. For those leaders saying the cure is worse than the disease, I ask: How do you plan on recovering the lost lives of over 100,000 loved ones if we “open up” the country before the doctors and epidemiologists recommend?

Buck Wicklund, Charlotte

Corporations need virus relief bill

It is hard to hear some Democrats say don’t fund the corporations in the virus relief bill, fund the workers. Where will they work when corporations go down the tubes? God help us.

Russ Wood, Charlotte

Why stay-at-home orders matter

Objections to pandemic stay-at-home orders ignore differences between the flu and COVID-19.

Vaccine is available for flu. There is no vaccine for COVID-19, no cure. According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19 has a higher incidence of secondary infections and the death rate may be as high as 3-4% compared to 0.1% for flu.

A person infected with flu “sheds” the disease to others only after symptoms appear, continuing to be infectious for up to a week. According to a Lancet study, someone with COVID-19 can infect others before symptoms appear and remain infectious for about 20 days.

Extreme efforts to enforce distancing are justified until we can do enough tests to identify vectors for the virus.

William Cockrill, Davidson

NC must come together on Medicaid

As our state wrestles with how to best respond to the coronavirus pandemic, we need our legislators to collectively come together to support expanding Medicaid in North Carolina. This pandemic has already overwhelmed the American health care system and increasing access to health insurance for working Americans would help us flatten the curve.

Over 1 million people are uninsured in North Carolina and Medicaid fills an essential role as a safety-net insurer. Expanding Medicaid will ensure testing and quality care, giving us an additional tool that’s desperately needed to mange the pandemic.

The General Assembly must act soon and collectively to implement Medicaid expansion.

J. Donté Prayer, Charlotte

A showcase of prejudice, hypocrisy

Regarding “Viruses do not carry passports,” (March 25):

Leonard Pitts’ column was a grand showcase of prejudice and hypocrisy. He lashed out at President Trump for labeling the coronavirus the “Chinese virus” because it demonstrates bigotry by smearing an entire group of people. Fair enough. But then he proceeded to explain that “the GOP is a hate group” and goes on to say anyone who doesn’t agree is “ignorant.”

I guess Pitts is so busy throwing the hate label at people and ideas he disagrees with that he hasn’t had time to look in the mirror.

Tom L. Bowers, Charlotte

Support bill that’ll help nonprofits

As the government evaluates emergency funding requests, charitable nonprofits need support now more than ever. This includes the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, which has closed its doors through at least April 12. While closed to the general public, it continues to serve our most impacted neighbors through meals and childcare.

Many nonprofit organizations asked Congress to support a $60 billion stimulus proposal. Without this support, many nonprofits may not be able to provide the support our community so desperately needs right now.

Please consider writing, emailing or tweeting your local congressional representatives to back relief for charities.

Sarah Lively, Charlotte

Start building a volunteer brigade

Emergency centers are being assembled nationwide to handle hospital overflow. The question is who will staff them? One solution might be to put out a call for volunteers from the ranks of those who’ve been infected with COVID-19 and recovered.

The CDC is developing tests to confirm these people would have immunity to the virus. Mayors and governors would be wise to begin constructing a database of those who could be enlisted to perform orderly-type duties in emergency centers. Funds could even be allocated within the $2 trillion stimulus bill to help these volunteer patriots.

Mayor Vi Lyles and Gov. Roy Cooper, get on it. Bugle the COVID-19 Volunteer Brigade to the rescue.

Robin H. Conway, Seattle