EDITOR:

Three Delta County residents have died from COVID 19 since April 9. A total of 17 U.P. residents have succumbed to COVID 19. In a June 24 letter to the editor, County Commissioner David Moyle stated “that for a healthy person without a compromised immune system your chances of dying of COVID 19 are less than being struck by lightning.”

Moyle’s letter implies that people who are not “healthy” or those who have compromised immune systems are not worth protecting.

In Moyle’s world, citizens who are vulnerable are on their own. This includes people who have heart disease, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes, or who are obese or are recipients of organ transplants. Others who do not count in Moyle’s world are those whose immune systems are suppressed because of medications they need to treat their diseases. Include in that group people suffering from lupus, Crohn’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Chemotherapy to defeat cancer also suppresses the immune system. And let’s not forget people 65 and older.

According to Moyle, Governor Whitmer is trying to damage the economy to advance her political agenda. It should be noted that Republican governors of Maryland and Ohio took strong measures similar to Governor Whitmer’s. Governor Whitmer and the governors of Ohio and Maryland followed guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.

Florida, Texas and Arizona ignored CDC recommendations and opened “early.” They are now experiencing record spikes of the virus. Texas is shutting down.

Moyle needs to read “Public Health Principles for a Phased Reopening During COVID-19: Guidance for Governors,” published by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. While he is at it, he can read Mayo Clinic’s “Effective COVID-19 prevention tips.” The first precaution listed by Mayo is, “Avoid large events and mass gatherings.” Mayo also recommends staying at home, social distancing, washing hands and using face coverings.

Vulnerable people live in Delta County. Moyle should put aside his political hostilities and heed the advice of infectious disease experts. No one wants the U.P. to become the next Texas, Florida or Arizona.

Richard Clark

Escanaba