Dear Editor,
In regards to your recent article concerning COVID-19 in the Pontiac area. I do not see the relevance of printing a picture of Joanne’s Valu-mart with the headline “Valu-mart employee tests positive.” The major content of the article pertains to the number of cases for the entire area.
If your intent was to provide these statistics, why mention an individual business? Why headline it as such? Or was the intent to . . .
sell newspapers and point fingers?
The article states that there have been a total of 71 cases in the Pontiac area (RLS). I wonder what other workplaces have been affected? The one positive test result at Valu-mart is not the first, only, nor last case (unfortunately) that the town will see. I continue to see people not following the rules, like not wearing masks (businesses included).
I think Joanne’s Valu-mart should be commended for the measures they have taken since day one, to keep their staff and community safe. The fact that there is only one positive case in the store, in the past year, should prove that these measures are working. Your article has done nothing but instill more fear in the community and ostracized a local business.
Not so many months ago there was a parade to thank essential workers. There were sirens, horns and applause to recognize the people who put themselves at risk to serve others. Where are the bells and whistles now?
“We are all in this together.” I guess this is only true until a business, a family, is affected.
Darleen Brazeau
Clarendon, Que.
