To the Editor, I want to publicly express a heartfelt thank you to Governor Raimondo, Dr. Nicole Alexander Scott, and all of the people working behind the scenes in Rhode Island, for the excellent work they have been doing, to manage the Covid-19 crisis. Their measured and rational response, which has continuously been based on the best scientific knowledge at the time, has been both life saving, and impressive.

To those who would argue that Covid-19 is no worse than the seasonal flu, I say you are wrong. Covid-19 is far more serious, more infectious, and has a higher rate of both hospitalizations, and death.

For those who object to our recent lockdown, I understand your position. However, I would ask you to look to both Norway, and Sweden, and their management of the pandemic. Norway imposed a lockdown, while Sweden’s approach was less aggressive. Sweden’s death rate is now 10 times higher, per capita, than Norway.

Be smart. Be safe.

Jim Wishart, Warwick