Too soon to tear down Covid defenses
Hartford supervisor’s ideas will leave many in his community vulnerable
The Front Page
Morning Update
Monday, March 7, 2022
By Ken Tingley
Dana Haff, the long-time supervisor in Hartford, is a retired Merchant Marine sea captain. Many people might not know that. I know I didn’t.
If his constituents wanted expert information on weather patterns in the North Atlantic, he would probably be the guy to see. But what worries me is his insistence on dismantling the protections in place for Washington County citizens and residents over Covid-19 and flu without any particular reason. Nowhere on Haff’s resume do I see any education or expertise on how infectious diseases spread.
Haff got the mask mandate thrown out for Washington County employees last week and is now trying to remove the plexiglass barriers in place to prevent the spread of germs.
You have to wonder if he even believes in germs.
He has already stated that masks are ineffective despite the fact every expert anywhere has said just the opposite.
One of the benefits of the pandemic was the better practices by all of us to prevent the spread of germs. One of the byproducts of those practices has been an enormous downturn in the number of people getting the flu. Flu cases were especially low in 2020 because of the preventions taken for Covid-19.
Whether it is the use of hand sanitizer, social distancing or regular mask use, it means we all have been less likely to spread our germs. What we have also seen in recent weeks is an uptick in the number of people getting the flu with the uptick of fewer people wearing masks.
It is not a coincidence.
Obviously, the flu won’t kill most of us, but it could be dangerous to many elderly residents.
But with masking requirements relaxed almost everywhere, the flu is already making a comeback. And because fewer people had the flu recently, that means we are all more vulnerable.
So while Dana Haff is ready to tear down the plexiglass all across Washington County, the Washington County supervisors might want to think twice. That plexiglass could be as effective as wearing a mask. It could keep county workers safe and cut down on sick time.
That’s common sense.
With vaccinations, most of us are feeling pretty safe these days. But there are still no vaccinations that are 100 percent effective for the flu.
Haff needs to tone down his rhetoric and leave health policy to someone more qualified.
Basketball is back
The last time I was at the Cool Insuring Arena was two years ago when Glens Falls’ basketball team lost in the sectional semifinals.
I ventured back to the Civic Center for the first time Friday night and found I was one of the few people wearing a mask as I waited in line in close quarters at the ticket window.
It wasn’t much better inside.
Thankfully, there are still far more seats than those wanting to sit down and I was able to find a seat that allowed me to social distance. I have not become a germaphobe, but I am about to turn 65 while taking a medication that compromises my immune system, so I’m gong to take precautions.
That said, I was surprised at how excited I was to again be watching live basketball. It was great to be back.
Luxury boxes
One of the few changes I saw at the Civic Center was the construction of luxury boxes adjacent to the pressbox area.
For decades, the professional hockey teams have complained that luxury boxes for corporate sponsors and civic groups were essential to providing another revenue stream.
I disagree. The civic center has always had great sight lines. The last row is a great seat. I would argue that the worst place to watch any athletic event is from the press box levels. Sadly, the number of corporate sponsors out there is still minimal.
It all seems like a waste of money to me.
Library event
Greenwich librarian Sarah Murphy informed me that Thursday’s even with Joe Donahue at the library is sold out.
After being postponed from January, attendance was limited to 40 because of the uptick in Covid-19 cases. There is a wait list for the 5:30 p.m. event. Anyone interested is urged to sign up on the library event page. If there is a cancelation, you will be notified by email.
The combination of vaccines, the less-severe Omicron variant, and the rapidly-declining infection and hospitalization rates have resulted in a substantially-decreased risk of Covid infection and severe illness for most people. This is, of course, a welcome event.
Before we celebrate, though, two issues. First, while there's a decreased risk right now, it won't necessarily continue in the future. We've been here before, where the Covid infection has decreased to low levels, only to spike to record highs caused by new variants.
Second, people who are vulnerable — that is, those who are older, are immunocompromised, or have underlying health conditions — continue to remain at higher risk. While they can take steps to protect themselves, those steps are most effective when the community as a whole joins in.
In our rush to rid ourselves of the very public health precautions that successfully battled this invading virus, I think we're leaving the vulnerable behind to fend for themselves.
I don't think this is a mark of a compassionate, well-functioning society.
I agree with your comments about Half On another note, was at the Civic Center on Saturday . Go every year, great to be back can t wait for the States What they really need are railings going down and up the stairs. Unsafe, especially for seniors which I am