To the Editor:

Re “Scant Testing Is Still Barrier for Reopening” (front page, April 16):

No explanation is given for President Trump’s stubborn refusal to put the full force of the federal government behind the effort to improve our coronavirus testing capacity, even while he mendaciously claims that anyone who wants a test can get one.

There is no mystery in this tale. If we tested more people, we would find more cases, and the true extent of the pandemic would become known. Not only would this highlight the inadequacy of the president’s response, but it also would put the brakes on his headlong rush to open the economy prematurely. Yet again, his personal needs override the public good.

It’s past time to make this clear whenever testing inadequacies are discussed.

Lawrence I. Bonchek

Lancaster, Pa.

The writer is a retired surgeon.

To the Editor:

So President Trump’s signature will appear on the economic stimulus checks. Would it accelerate the distribution of Covid-19 testing kits if his signature could appear on them as well?