Some 20,000 NASCAR fans at Texas Motor Speedway? Count me out

Be realistic about the virus

It was nice to read Cynthia M. Allen’s balanced overview of the COVID-19 surge. (July 19, 11A, “Take Texas’ COVID-19 surge seriously, but do not be fearful”)

I work in emergency care. While we have seen a noticeable increase in COVID-19 positive test results, our hospital admissions for related conditions remain relatively flat. Much of the uptick in hospital admissions, including intensivecare admissions, results from people delaying treatment for other conditions.

All inpatients are routinely screened for COVID-19, even when hospitalized for something unrelated. Because of mass testing, more patients test positive. Many who test positive do not have virus-related symptoms.

The statistics also have not shown a surge in deaths related to COVID-19. As Allen mentioned, this is often conspicuously absent from reporting. Although the virus should be taken very seriously, objective reporting on it is important.

- Robert Morris, Southlake

They can’t stay safe in class

The Texas Education Agency has told school districts that if a parent chooses to have a student attend school in person all week, districts must honor that request. (July 12, 1A, “43% of Fort Worth parents want online instruction”) The guidance fails to address how that can be done safely, given that many schools in our area have packed classrooms.

Some have as many as 35 students per room. If most want to attend in person, there is no way to practice social distancing.

Public health professionals agree that wearing masks, social distancing and frequent hand washing are the best way to slow or stop the spread of this virus. If we follow the current TEA guidance, schools will have to shut down again because of massive outbreaks.

- David Pyatt, Arlington

Abbott doing a great job

Thanks to Gov. Greg Abbott for trying to contain COVID-19. I understand it is hard to reopen Texas. We all want it opened. No one wants to stay home. Wearing a mask and social distancing 6 feet away is the new norm and will probably be with us for a long time. I am proud to call Abbott my governor.

- Patrick J. McLaughlin, Arlington

Sports or safety: Choose one

I am genuinely shocked that Texas Motor Speedway will go forward with a NASCAR Cup Series race this weekend, open to the public. (July 14, 1A, “Expert warns that flood of NASCAR fans may be mistake”) Minimum expected attendance is 20,000.

The pro sports business model isn’t built to survive in the era of a devastating pandemic. And in the era of COVID 19, we, as a vulnerable population, aren’t built to survive the pro sports business model.

- Scott Barker, Saginaw

Star-Telegram out of step

The Editorial Board’s July 14 election recommendations were prescient (9A). You opposed extension of the Crime Control and Prevention District; it passed by almost 2 to 1. You supported Royce West (he lost) and Kim Olson (she lost in Tarrant County and throughout the district).

We can hardly wait to see who you recommend in November after once again demonstrating how well you have your finger on the pulse of Fort Worth.

- John Penn, Fort Worth