Letters: Centre County seniors are being cared for; Trump’s name on stimulus checks is ‘shameless deceit’

Centre County seniors are being cared for amid pandemic

It was with great sadness that I read the CDT article on the tremendous impact that the coronavirus is having on nursing home residents — more than 3,300 deaths and hundreds more infected nationwide.

Centre County is very lucky to have a number of excellent retirement, assisted living and personal care communities. To date, there have been no reported cases of infection or deaths in any of them. I sincerely hope this trend continues. I know, firsthand, that the staffs of each of these facilities have gone to great lengths to ensure the safety and well-being of each resident – independent, assisted living or skilled nursing. From cleanliness and distancing to activities and daily information briefings, I truly believe our seniors are being taken care of in the safest and most effective way.

I know it is difficult for friends and relatives to be kept away from loved ones. I encourage everyone to continue to follow the guidelines and be patient. The facility professionals know what they’re doing and we need to support and trust them in their task. Thanks to all who are willing to risk their own safety to keep others as safe as possible. You are appreciated.

Trump’s name on stimulus checks is ‘shameless deceit’

I am a Pennsylvania taxpayer. I would like to know why economic stimulus checks should be bearing the name of Donald Trump. It is not his money which is being sent out, but the money of every taxpaying American. He is just trying to deceive the check recipients. He wants them to think that the money is from him so that they will vote for him. Another lie! Stop this shameless deceit!

COVID-19 Community Response team turns attention to rent

I am writing to you on behalf of the Centre County COVID-19 Community Response. We are a group of organized citizens providing aid for the residents of Centre County who have been previously featured by the Centre Daily Times. We are still coordinating local mutual aid efforts to great success, building a network of volunteers across the county. And now, we have turned our attention toward another important issue: the issue of rent.

We have created a petition calling for local government officials to support a moratorium on all rent, utility and mortgage payments until the crisis is over. Additionally, we’re calling for a suspension of evictions during this time. We hold that these measures are necessary to support the working, retired, disabled, student and unemployed populations of Centre County during this time of critical need. With the shutting down of Penn State’s main campus and the students dispersed across the country and world, a significant portion of the local economy is simply no longer present. Similarly, the need for people to stay at home in order to avoid spreading the disease means that a significant further crunch in economic activity has occurred. This need also makes it irresponsible to allow businesses to shutter and people to be evicted, leaving them to the whims of ruin and disease.

As such, we have to take steps to support each other, and I am calling on you to support this petition. Sign here: https://forms.gle/DxqRkRsWJEdnzoKCA.