Your recent article on COVID-19 (“COVID-19 infections rise in Maine, and wastewater testing indicates more to come,” Sept. 1) was missing key context. While we have learned a lot about the impacts of COVID and how to prevent it, people are still becoming gravely ill and dying because of lack of adequate community-wide protections. Saying “we have the tools” is misleading and dismissive when there are many who can’t afford them, or can’t access them.

Case counts are rising, and it’s unclear by how much, because people don’t have adequate access to tests. Insurance no longer has to cover tests, free testing has largely ended and the government is no longer collecting and reporting COVID cases to the public. Updated vaccines are welcome – but those shots may not be free, and massive clinics are unlikely.

Masking is a simple way to curtail COVID-19 and keep community spaces safer for all, but not if we only encourage “higher-risk” people to do it. We have also seen, unfortunately, that anyone can fall severely ill from COVID, which can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and strokes. It’s estimated 10% of all COVID infections result in long COVID, with multiple infections increasing the risk of severe outcomes. I hope that your further coverage will include information about long-term impacts of COVID-19.

Readers should note that rising case numbers aren’t inevitable. If they can afford to, they can help reduce the spread with masking, testing, vaccines, staying home when sick and reminding friends and loved ones to do the same.

Emily Connelly
Portland