LETTER – Paternalistic practice of not revealing COVID-19 details must end
Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. (Image: BC Govt photo)
Re: ‘Why we must be told where COVID-19 is showing up’
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! for your commentary on the paternalistic practice, by Bonnie Henry, of not naming the community and cities in the interior. I called the premier citing the reasons you gave last week and nothing happened. I then encouraged people on my Facebook groups to call the premier’s office to complain about the discriminatory practice and I’m not sure if anyone did. Hopefully your commentary does. I think Bonnie Henry needs to be replaced!
LAURIE PETERSON
I hate to admit it, but I believe dr. Henry is doing a super job. HOWEVER now there are so many cases showing up in BC, I believe we need to know where. This is no longer just a coastal issue and people in the interior would be better served if scared into social distancing by learning just how quickly this virus is spreading
Watching other provinces give their daily reports, it was noticed that other Health Directors give their reports much like Dr.Henry.
Dr. Bonnie Henry is irrreplacable. She has amply demonstrated her skills, compassion and professonal leadership. She is walking a fine line between informing and not fueling panic, such as prompting demands that everybody (and their dogs maybe) should get tests. She might be better to offer her reasons, but I stand behind her as no doubt does the entire medical team.
This is a time when we must come together, to work cooperatively for the good of everyone. Everyone is doing what they think is best – Bonnie Henry, I am sure, feels she is operating in a manner best for all. If you haven’t heard whether the virus is in your neighbourhood, assume it is. Take all the precautions that are needed to protect yourself and others now. Waiting to hear that it has been detected in your community leaves you at a huge risk. They now believe that this virus can take up to 27 days to incubate. It could be in your community for almost a month before anyone could become aware of it. Assume it is there now. Do what you need to do, stay home etc and then relax, knowing you are safe. Enjoy your time with anyone you live with, phone or Skype with those you don’t. Take up, or renew hobbies. Keep yourselves busy, so you don’t feel inclined to add to the stress by calling out people that aren’t doing things the way you feel it should be done. Let’s get through this showing off the best of humanity, not the worst.
It is just amazing how journalists always know better but in the event they are given a chance at actually be the governing authorities they falter…I will also not call the Premier’s office because he is busy on multiple fronts running an overall well-governed province. That’s something Mel Rothenburger SHOULD talk about.