Readers differ in response to cottagers travelling to Huron-Kinloss

To the Editor:
RE: “Attitude should be “We, not Me” in Huron-Kinloss, says reader”

I would like to respond to the open letter to Huron-Kinloss council, written by Brian MacEachern.

I know that Brian can be very passionate about his beliefs but this time, his comments demonstrate a lack of understanding of the risks. In fact, they are dangerously naive.

All levels of government are asking people to stay home for the short-term and fortunately, most are. We are now seeing the results of our fellow citizens putting the greater good (we) above their own interests (me) as rates seem to be levelling. Thank you!

Brian states that people feel it would be safer for their families to be here rather than at home. That would be fine it they came up and stayed. Travelling back and forth puts residents of Huron-Kinloss at needless risk.

He also says that we should feel comfortable accepting other areas' “overflow of healthy people.” The medical experts say that you can be a carrier of the virus while displaying minor symptoms or none at all. People may feel healthy but they may not be.

These “healthy” people could arrive here, begin to feel unwell, and go to our local hospital. If they, in fact, have COVID-19, then they have exposed our limited hospital emergency staff to the virus, resulting in a two-week quarantine for the staff and possible exposure for the families of our nurses and other staff. That is beyond inconsiderate.

Finally, Brian states that the township should be displaying a “We, not me” attitude. I believe that the township is demonstrating that principle clearly by putting the health of residents of Huron-Kinloss as the priority.

I join my fellow residents of Huron-Kinloss and thank the mayor and council for their actions and I would like to, once again, thank the seasonal residents who are not travelling back and forth. This clearly demonstrates their commitment to “we, not me” as well.

Jim Sheppard
Huron Kinloss
 

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To the Editor:

We practise social-distancing at home and cottage. We also pay taxes.

Thanks for the letter. We agree, wholeheartedly. 

A. Williams
Fordwich
 

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To the Editor:

This is in reference to the recent letter to the editor, regarding cottagers in Huron-Kinloss.

I lived in your area for many years, enjoying all the wonderful amenities of Kincardine and environs. The onslaught of cottagers and visitors was an annual event, kind of a rite of spring.

Currently, I live in Belleville, and we have our own distraction, that being the embarrassment of our Conservative MP and his shocking claims about Dr. Theresa Tam and the World Health Organization.

Our area also has many cottagers who own summer properties. My point: we also have issues. We’re ALL being asked to avoid travel, unless it’s deemed essential. Travelling to one’s cottage is not essential.

I have children living in various parts of the province, including a heavily-pregnant daughter-in-law, due with her first child. How I would love to hop in the car and drive to Grey County to help out. But I’m respecting the guidelines to stay home. Cottagers need to do the same. They are not the exception to the rule.

Stay home is a pretty clear directive. Cottagers are not a special class of people, given a “skip the line” pass. There is no ambiguity or confusion - stay home means just that. Not just for some, but for all.

Jennifer Allen
Belleville