Letters to the editor | Friday, Aug. 28, 2020: A call for more COVID testing in elder care
Elder care COVID testing
I want to thank Congressman Harder for standing up for our Stanislaus County nursing homes by demanding COVID-19 rapid testing machines. This has been an especially difficult time for caregivers and families who have been unable to see their loved ones in person due to COVID-19 restrictions. Many nursing homes have closed their doors to visitors because of the pandemic and heightened risks to residents. I know that social isolation is life-threatening for the 690,000 Californians living with Alzheimer’s.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 48% of nursing home residents are living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. Those living in long-term care communities need physical contact with their families in order to stay healthy and avoid more rapid cognitive decline.
I urge Governor Newsom and his allies in Congress to figure out how to obtain and deploy rapid, point-of-care COVID tests for all residents, staff and visitors to California’s long-term care communities.
Sallie Ayala-Perez, Turlock
Bird for YCCD board
It is with great pleasure that we support Lindsey Bird for YCCD Area 6. We have known Lindsey for more than 20 years and she is an excellent candidate. She is a respected educator who has received national recognition for her management skills, educational programs and teaching strategies. She was recognized as one of the Outstanding Women of Stanislaus County in 2019.
Lindsey will bring a strong new voice to the YCCD board and hold the district accountable for decisions regarding our community college students. The YCCD needs new fresh leadership with experience in the educational community and Lindsey is that leadership and strong voice. Lindsey supports equity, opportunity, and relationships. There is no better candidate for the YCCD Area 6 than Lindsey Bird.
Yvonne and Ray Taylor, Modesto
Goriel for Modesto mayor
I’m supporting Naramsen Goriel for mayor because I firmly believe that people take care of communities that take care of them, and he has strong and ambitious plans to address the issues in our community in a meaningful and equitable way. He understands the importance of public safety measures that protect all, not some. He values arts and culture, and knows that our diverse demographic are part of what makes this city so special. He knows how to reach out.
Naramsen Goriel has the right idea, and is more in touch with interests of our community than many mayoral candidates we’ve seen.
Kayla Valdez, Modesto
He’s only out for himself
Presidents should step up and seek solutions to the problems of our country. Trump cowardly steps away and passes the buck. By minimizing-ignoring-denying COVID-19, systemic racism and climate change, Trump has immensely exacerbated the problems.
Described as a chronic liar by his niece and Ted Cruz, Trump has made over 20,000 fact-checked false statements. Lies repeated often enough are unfortunately believed by many.
Even two of Trump’s rare truths are frightening. First, Trump said, “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters.” Trump’s COVID-19 actions and lack thereof are causing thousands of unnecessary deaths, but his base remains in denial. This is reminiscent of the Jones cult. Second, Trump’s calling of the investigations “witch hunts” can be construed as true as he snagged the title of witch doctor by promoting the use of hydroxychloroquine and disinfectant injections.
Trump prioritizes self-interest and callous revenge far above our country. To save lives and prevent Trump from striking back after election day, Americans need to demand that Trump resign now. The only things certain are death, taxes and that the next thing Trump does will be worse than the last.
Steven Murov, Hughson