Why are so many South Carolinians neglecting to wear face masks during COVID-19?

On face masks

We have all been told that wearing a face mask and gloves is a necessary measure to prevent spreading our germs to others during the coronavirus pandemic. In other words we are being asked to make a courteous gesture that could save the lives of others..

But if Southerners are the considered to be most courteous people in the country, why are so many of us still neglecting to take the simple and thoughtful step of wearing a face mask? Please, folks, put on the gear when you go out.

Elizabeth Russell, Columbia

On the PPP

I would hope that someone from The State would really address the crisis that is being caused by the Paycheck Protection Program. We were an early recipient of the money, but in a way it has become more of a curse than a blessing for us.

Why? Because even after receiving the money, we were not allowed to reopen our restaurant. And now that we do have the go-ahead to reopen our restaurant, no one wants to return to work: because of the additional $600 that laid-off employees are receiving from the federal government. The reality is that these employees are making more money sitting at home than they would make by coming back to work under the guidelines that have been set by the Paycheck Protection Program.

With four weeks left to go under the Paycheck Protection Program — and with no relief from the coronavirus in sight — we will soon be facing the harsh reality of closing our doors after nine years on Main Street.

Edson Munekata, Columbia

Munekata is the owner of the Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse in downtown Columbia.

On teachers

A recent letter writer stated that the custodial and cafeteria staffers in schools are the people who are doing the real work in schools.

I found that statement to be insulting.

I am not dismissing the immense daily contribution that custodial and cafeteria crews provide, and it is true that a school could not run without their efforts. But as a teacher for 22 years and counting, let me educate you on just some of the responsibilities that the average teacher must meet on a daily and weekly basis:

▪ Manage 20 to 30 students who have different styles of learning, home lives, behavioral issues, etc. — and do it without an assistant.

▪ Teach these students to master an average of 150 state-mandated learning standards.

▪ Keep detailed documentation on every student for every subject.

▪ Communicate after-hours with parents through conferences, school programs, student events, etc.

▪ Conduct multiple, mandatory tests for district, state and national levels.

▪ Regularly attend faculty and district meetings — as well as professional development and certification sessions.

▪ Provide an attentive and caring ear to every student.

▪ Come to work even when you are sick because you know how much your children need you.

Are teachers superheroes? No. But are we doing “the real work” in schools? You better believe it!

Cheryl Poole, Wagener

On schools

As the state’s Accelerate Ed task force develops strategies for the reopening of South Carolina schools, I have become very concerned about the potential impact on teachers.

I am particularly concerned that teachers will be expected to operate both a physical classroom and a distance learning environment without adequate time or resources to do this effectively. I am also concerned that teachers will be expected to manage these two settings while being called on to perform other tasks aimed at protecting the health of students and maintaining social distancing.

These are just some of the challenges that teachers may soon be facing, and they should be raising their voices now about the need to address these issues before schools are reopened in South Carolina.

Frank Morgan, Camden

This story was originally published May 14, 2020 at 5:40 PM.