To the Editor, If you have been following the RIDOH website you might believe that you have an accurate picture of what is happening in Rhode Island relative to COVID-19. Although the data is useful, I find certain key elements missing or not easily
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
|
To the Editor,
If you have been following the RIDOH website you might believe that you have an accurate picture of what is happening in Rhode Island relative to COVID-19. Although the data is useful, I find certain key elements missing or not easily found, hence this letter.
Shouldn’t the RIDOH present a workable data base to the public? Fear is a powerful weapon. Unfortunately, the presentation of incomplete data only increases the fear related to COVID-19 among many state residents.
It’s one thing to present ever increasing numbers but shouldn’t the public be provided additional facts so we can draw our own conclusions? Information which is readily available to the Governor and the RIDOH?
Previous contact with RIDOH has resulted in the incorporation of age data for the fatalities listed, but it is rather difficult to find on the RIDOH Dashboard.
Almost 80% of the fatalities are elderly, most between the ages of 70 to 100. That is, 70 - 79 26%, 80 - 89 31% and 90 - 100 22% as of noon on Monday, 27 April!
What percentage of the fatalities occurred in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities which seems to be the nexus, vice the general population? The numbers provided / format, are rather vague and usually several days to a week old. This is in contrast to the rest of the dashboard which is updated daily at noon.
Wouldn’t this information help assuage the fears among young, healthy individuals ?
It is often said, “We Get the Government We Deserve!” but don’t Rhode Islanders deserve accurate, practical information presented in a logical easy to use format too?
Alan. G. Palazzo
CDR USN (Ret)
3 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
freespeech
Commander Palazzo, thank you for your service. You really did your homework. l don't know what or whom to believe anymore. You weave a compelling story. You're so right about the "Government" issue. People are more interested in what app they can get for their iPhones than the freedom they are losing. They're finally realizing what the price of freedom derives comes from because of the "god complex" morones leading this country. Too bad it took a very bad virus for people to wake up. Great piece of writing.
Thursday, May 7, 2020 Report this
Straightnnarrow
"Almost 80% of the fatalities are elderly, most between the ages of 70 to 100. That is, 70 - 79 26%, 80 - 89 31% and 90 - 100 22% as of noon on Monday, 27 April!" So simply explained and yet our governor and "her team" can't come up with some straight forward facts like these? Thank you CDR Palazzo for weighing in with your letter.
Thursday, May 7, 2020 Report this
JohnStark
Posters don't seem to realize that the VERY LAST thing this governor wants is the dissemination of timely, accurate, and detailed data. Because with that date will come the realization that this virus largely impacts a very narrow and identifiable segment of the population. And at that point, even those who endorse the nanny state will openly wonder why we have shuttered an entire economy. Better to obfuscate with vague data, keep people in the dark, and retain dictatorial control.
Friday, May 8, 2020 Report this