Editor, OBSERVER:

As Chautauqua County is seeing an increase in positive COVID-19 cases, the Chautauqua County Health Department has been less and less forthcoming with information.

When someone dies, it is now simply noted as a new death on the dashboard. The only way to know the age of the person is to compare the previous day’s dashboard. Gone are the condolences to the family. We need to remember this is a person who died, and not just another statistic.

I also find it curious that the reporting of ages ceased the moment children returned to school. When Jamestown suddenly reports 47 cases, it would be helpful to know if these cases stem from one location (like a business or school) or if the cases are unrelated.

It is not a stigma to have COVID-19 cases. The Chautauqua County Health Department Director, Christine Schuyler, said she fears, “people picking up pitchforks and going on a witch hunt” to justify the lack of transparency.

People deserve to know more of what’s happening, not less. Give us a chance to protect ourselves and our families.

By trying to keep everyone in the dark, the Chautauqua County Health Department has repeatedly neglected their duty to serve and protect its people.

REGINA CARDINALE,

Jamestown