COVID: The greater threat

In the Aug. 23 Readers Write, Mr. Les Wigen presents statistics of the very low incidence of infection and death from the COVID-19 virus worldwide and in Kootenai County as a percentage of the general population, suggesting that all of the shutdowns were unnecessary. I did not double check his statistics, but I’m sure they are correct.

Here is the question, however: If we had done nothing — kept the schools open, and the restaurants and bars, allowed large gatherings, the sports events at the various levels, and the local events — Car d’Lane, the Fourth of July parade and fireworks, Art on the Green, and North Idaho State Fair and the many other events, what would be the infection and death rate in Kootenai County then?

No one knows, of course, not Mr. Wigen, and not me. It is possible, however, if none of the steps were taken to control the virus, that both Mr. Wigen and I would now be dead.

RICHARD CRIPE

Coeur d’Alene