To the Editor:

I am a 73-year-old male with a history of heart disease. That places me at high risk if I contract the coronavirus. Naturally, I have read with interest all the theories about how we can safely return to normal activities, but I hear nothing but wishful thinking from the president.

Until an effective vaccine is developed and made widely available, which I understand may be 18 months or so away, I cannot see myself walking into a sports arena or stadium with 15,000 to 75,000 people without worrying about getting the virus. Similarly, as my daughters resume normal activity and my grandchildren return to school, I cannot confidently see and interact with them, as much as I will want to. Same goes for restaurants and coffee shops.

Quite simply, unless the government can convince me that it is safe for people like me to get back to normal, I am staying home, as disconcerting as it is to see our wonderful local businesses crumble around us. As best as I can determine, and despite the president’s hollow boasts, testing in this country is a cruel joke. Without widespread testing, I am staying put and my money is staying in my wallet.

Brian Titus

Madison, Conn.

To the Editor:

This is a plea for the continued protection of all those in our communities who are most vulnerable to devastating outcomes from the effects of the Covid-19. I make this plea as the father of a son who has endured and overcome with great resolve a significantly impaired autoimmune system throughout his life.