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Reopening America should come county by county

Thousands of Marylanders — remaining in their vehicles to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 — rallied in the state capital of Annapolis Saturday, demanding that Gov. Larry Hogan relax epidemic-related orders that have restricted the economy and forced many people out of their jobs. Similar protests have occurred in other states. Hogan should not “open up” Maryland. His counterparts elsewhere should not lift similar restrictions in their states. But Hogan and others should begin getting back to “normalcy” in measured, careful ways. Governors have been vested ...

Much more to learn about who contracts COVID-19

Initial indications are that somehow, the COVID-19 virus discriminates against black Americans. Nationwide, 30% of patients suffering from the disease — and whose race is known — are black, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed. At first glance, the number is exceedingly troubling. Clearly, more needs to be known. Race is known for only about one-fourth of the approximately 700,000 Americans who had contracted COVID-19 by Sunday. Still, the CDC’s sample — around 175,000 people — is not insignificant. In the rush to compile statistics on the ...

Lots of fuel outdoors for major fires

Warmer temps and relentless wind might be a reminder that it is spring in North Dakota. We’d like you also to be reminded of the fire danger those same conditions present. Yes, it’s getting more pleasant outdoors. A little yardwork is getting done and some people have fired up their grills a few times already. Thankfully, we have not heard of any major grass or structure fires caused by outdoor grilling, although there have been some very serious – and sad – situations involving fire recently. Out in the countryside, especially, there is an extremely large amount of fuel for ...

Minot City Council made right decision

The Minot City Council decided on Monday to terminate City Manager Tom Barry from his position due to hostile work environment findings by an independent counsel. Even if a council member felt he or she did not want to terminate the current holder of the city’s top management position, the outcome of the vote showed all agreed this is the right thing to do. Also, without termination the council could face legal action. No employees whether working for a government entity or business should have to face a hostile work environment. Some of the city council members pointed out ...

Just wear the damn mask

In the last month, I’ve left our home in my car exactly once, to go to the drive-thru window of our local pharmacy for a necessary prescription. On the way, I had to wait behind a city bus as it dropped off passengers at a shopping center. One person after another, many of them young adults, disembarked and immediately held their phones to their ears or in other ways touched their faces. It’s such a habit, but it’s a dangerous one right now. None of them was wearing gloves or face masks, and all of them likely touched commonly used spaces on the bus that had been previously ...

Be careful of self-diagnosis kits for COVID-19

Going on the offensive against COVID-19 will require knowing more about who has had the disease, perhaps without showing symptoms. To that end, new tests have been developed and are being perfected. Most seem to rely on detecting antibodies the body produces to fight and often, defeat certain illnesses. Many of us would like to know whether the coronavirus has invaded our bodies without displaying symptoms. There are various reasons for desiring that knowledge, including whether we may be imperiling others by serving as carriers for COVID-19. And, as we attempt to jump-start the ...