To the Editor:

Re Trump Declares National Emergency (nytimes.com, March 13):

The Chinese government detected Covid-19 in December 2019. On the afternoon of March 13, 2020, President Trump announced a state of emergency. After months of near complete inaction, finger pointing and lies, testing is just starting to ramp up. The states have taken more action than the federal government. Whose job is it to identify threats to the American people? Whose job is it to take action in the face of those threats?

If anyone thinks its partisan to denounce the government for its disgraceful handling of this crisis, I would beg to differ. Its partisan not to. It has failed us.

John FletcherRingwood, N.J.

To the Editor:

As a big-time sports fan, I am saddened that many major sporting events and seasons have been canceled or put on hold because of the coronavirus. But there is one sport that I would actually like to see suspended for the duration of this crisis the sport of American politics.

I am sick and tired of our leaders treating the people of this country as an audience for their own political battles. One side says its doing a wonderful job and looks to score points on its decisions. The other side calls its opponents incompetent and says they have no idea what they are doing. To quote the famous line from Gone With the Wind, Frankly, my dear, I dont give a damn. Leave the politics at the doorstep.

Weve got a problem facing us right now. If there were ever a time that we needed them to stop fighting and forcefully focus on the problem, this is it.

Fredric KatzChappaqua, N.Y.

To the Editor:

Re Trump and Pence Wont Be Tested After Meeting With Infected Brazilian Official (nytimes.com, March 12):

Despite having contact with at least two people (and possibly more) who have the coronavirus, the White House issued a statement that President Trump does not need to be tested though he later said it was likely he would be. He continues to regularly meet with cabinet officials and military personnel, who then meet with others.

Apart from setting a poor example for our nation by not following recommended isolation guidelines, is he not aware he could be inadvertently infecting the whole upper-level chain of command of our government, including the military? This is neither leadership nor genius.

Harlan KossonPittsford, N.Y.

To the Editor:

Re Everyones a Socialist in a Pandemic, by Farhad Manjoo (column, March 12):

Ronald Reagan famously said, Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem. Here we are, 40 years later, finally confronting the reality that a robust, government-backed social safety net is not the same thing as government bloat. Sensible social policies are necessary to protect the lives, livelihoods and safety of all Americans.

This need not be labeled socialism. In fact, it can be argued that the main purpose of safety net protections (like paid sick time or universal health care) is to safeguard capitalism, not to destroy it.

Deborah MullinPound Ridge, N.Y.The writer is an adjunct professor of social welfare policy at Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, CUNY.

To the Editor:

Now that sporting events have been canceled or postponed, theres an opportunity to set up field hospitals in Yankee Stadium, Madison Square Garden and other such venues. Predictions from the C.D.C. and others indicate that the Covid-19 virus will infect a significant percentage of the population. It has been proven in South Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong that early isolation of infected individuals can reduce spread of the virus and decrease mortality.

Our hospitals may be overwhelmed if the numbers are as large as some experts predict. Keeping the infected less sick patients out of the hospitals and isolated for a period of time in temporary field hospitals saves space for critically ill patients in the regular hospitals and decreases risk of exposure to staff and patients.

Andrew R. MarksNew YorkThe writer, a doctor, is chairman of the Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics at Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University.

To the Editor:

To all New Yorkers and visitors who care about the survival and longevity of our wonderful cultural organizations: May I suggest that you use your ticket credit from canceled performances to either order tickets for a future performance or to make a donation to nonprofit organizations? Lets show that we can pull together unselfishly to keep this most important part of urban life alive.

Susan SchuurNew York

To the Editor:

Why is no one writing about how to keep this virus travesty from happening again? What is it going to take to permanently close Chinas live animal markets? Now is the time for intense and sustained international pressure while the Chinese government is embarrassed and defensive about causing this pandemic. Yes, the Chinese have put market restrictions in place, but those restrictions will likely disappear once the crisis passes. The animal markets are the origin story here. Lets keep a light beaming on them.

Jayne YoungSarasota, Fla.

To the Editor:

Now is the perfect time to encourage restaurant managers to deal with an oft-overlooked practice waiters delivering beverages to a table with the waiters hands touching the part of the glass that I am going to touch with my mouth. How to assist with curbing the spread of the coronavirus? Train your waiters.

Mary ArchboldRio Rancho, N.M.

See the rest here:
How the Coronavirus Is Changing Everything - The New York Times