Regarding coronavirus coverage
Notwithstanding the disclaimer on page 1 of your March 18, 2020, edition (as to the unavoidable possibility of outdated coronavirus information being included), you still have the obligation to accurately dispense what facts you do have with the solemnity warranted by this unprecedented emergency. Sadly, editorial decision-making got off to a bad start with the inclusion of the photo at the top-left of page 1 showing church board members gleefully practicing "safe distancing" without actually doing so, let alone doing so correctly. In spite of your disclaimer, this photo was outdated before it was even taken -- whenever that was. In fact, truly safe social distancing should have resulted in a few of the attendees not even being present for the photo. (As a 64-year-old, I have standing to make a guess, and my guess is that at least four of the seven persons pictured should have stayed home to effect proper social distancing for seniors.) And whatever it is they are doing with their arms, it's definitely not humorous nor, more importantly, is it the least bit instructive for social distancing purposes. With regard to the coronavirus pandemic, please stick to the facts and present them in a way that does not detract from the seriousness of this situation. Doing so will provide a valuable service to your readers.
Randall Richmond
Lafayette
Notwithstanding the disclaimer on page 1 of your March 18, 2020, edition (as to the unavoidable possibility of outdated coronavirus information being included), you still have the obligation to accurately dispense what facts you do have with the solemnity warranted by this unprecedented emergency. Sadly, editorial decision-making got off to a bad start with the inclusion of the photo at the top-left of page 1 showing church board members gleefully practicing "safe distancing" without actually doing so, let alone doing so correctly. In spite of your disclaimer, this photo was outdated before it was even taken -- whenever that was. In fact, truly safe social distancing should have resulted in a few of the attendees not even being present for the photo. (As a 64-year-old, I have standing to make a guess, and my guess is that at least four of the seven persons pictured should have stayed home to effect proper social distancing for seniors.) And whatever it is they are doing with their arms, it's definitely not humorous nor, more importantly, is it the least bit instructive for social distancing purposes. With regard to the coronavirus pandemic, please stick to the facts and present them in a way that does not detract from the seriousness of this situation. Doing so will provide a valuable service to your readers.
Randall Richmond
Lafayette
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA