The March 25 ADN editorial about the coronavirus epidemic and steps needed to stop its rapid spread here in Alaska provides useful information. However, it did not mention the one thing required for these strategies to work.
The countries that have had widespread infection and deaths, China, South Korea and Italy, have found that these measures by themselves do not work. When the infection rate continued to explode, they all found that enforcement was necessary to stop the exponential spread of the virus. We must mobilize police and state troopers to walk the street and enforce the bans on travel and movement within our communities. That is still not enough. Gov. Dunleavy must bring out the National Guard, which he has to legal power to do.
I realize this is anathema to most Alaskans, but recent history has shown it is necessary. Drastic measures are now required. We have gone from one case three weeks ago to nearly 200 today. There are many more that have yet to be reported. People, we are in a state of war against a silent, unknown killer that infects and kills without warning or notice.
— Jamelia Saied
Anchorage
Have something on your mind? Send to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Letters under 200 words have the best chance of being published. Writers should disclose any personal or professional connections with the subjects of their letters. Letters are edited for accuracy, clarity and length.