In your coverage of the COVID-19 virus, the statement of
the county’s chief medical officer, Dr. Ansorg, “We
want to be prepared,” is extremely troubling because it is inconsistent
with his and other public officials lack of action in regard to the epidemic.
The first and long overdue step is to prohibit all cruise
ship arrivals in Santa Barbara.
Other responses in other places by the Centers for Disease
Control and cruise-line companies has been insufficient and ineffective.
Self-reporting did not prove adequate in regard to the Grand Princess;
crew protocols weren't followed and training was inadequate (19 Grand Princess
crew have tested positive for COVID-19). In addition, an adequate supply of
test kits are still not available, and Santa Barbara hospitals only have 58
negative-pressure rooms that can isolate contagious patients.
It is irresponsible for Dr. Ansorg, the City Council, and
the Board of Supervisors to have waited this long to stop the cruise ships from
coming here. Their responsibility is to protect the citizens of Santa Barbara.
Stop the cruise ships now.