Big mistake if borders opened now

THE EDITOR: When we compare our covid19 stats to other countries, we see we are not doing badly. While my hope is that there can be a drastic change all around the world, let us not ignore our own situation and be thankful.

I believe those on the frontline of the battle – putting their lives at risk – are doing a fantastic job. No praise is too much for them. However, I believe it is vital to keep our borders closed even as we begin to ease the lockdown.

The 330,000 people all over the world with TT passports can see us as a place of refuge. Many of them are in the US, which is heading the list of most infected countries and having the highest death rate.

At present our bed capacity is just about 1,000 for this covid19 pandemic. Do the math of what could happen if just a small percentage were to return home. Do you see the risk we living here would face?

The Government must not be swayed into opening the borders. In any war decisions have to be made that will not please everyone but it is necessary to protect the 1.4 million people living here. Opening our borders too soon can be to our own detriment.

ARNOLD GOPEESINGH

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