Letters to the Editor

I would like to dispute the truth of two claims made in the coronavirus myths section

Claim 1: Masks do not help the uninfected:

Three reasons:

• If medical personnel use a surgical mask, then by logical extension, ordinary people can garner the same protection.

• If everyone uses a surgical mask, then no one will spread the virus, meaning no one can get infected. So, at least indirectly, it can help.

• The CDC says even homemade mask may be used as a last resort, meaning that even homemade masks have some effect. Surgical masks are more well made than homemade masks, so those should have some impact as well. Source: https://www.cnet.com/how-to/homemade-face-masks-may-not-protect-from-coronavirus-like-n95-cdc-suggests-as-last-resort

Claim 2: the name "the Chinese virus" is xenophobic, racist, etc.:

• Then is the name Spanish flu racist? If it is not, then the name "Chinese virus" alone should not be prejudiced.

• This statement merely says that there is a virus, and it comes from China. This statement is like saying "there is a flu. It comes from the US", or "measles comes from by rubella."

I hope you consider my suggestions and correct these mistakes,

T.V.

That which does not kill us, makes us stronger - Friedrich Nietzsche