To the editor:

I read the article in the Great Bend Tribune: “City outlines Covid-19 plans, from best-worst-case scenarios” (March 17 issue, Tribune). I applaud city leaders for thinking ahead. I feel that once this Covid-19 crisis subsides (and we all pray it subsides sooner than later), that not only the city, but citizens in general will modify their behavior to be more ready to respond prudently in the event of a similar pandemic or other unforeseen paralyzing dilemma in the future.

I applaud retailers (such as Walmart) who have closed store-hours at night to allow for replenishment of inventories as well as other retailers who discourage “hoarding” of things as varied as toilet-paper and hand-sanitizer, leaving some store shelves empty for other customers.

We are all in this together, and granted, this is a free country. We may have to slightly curb (or reduce) our “wants” for “the public good.” It is almost a public-safety issue. All citizens, whether they are young babies, middle-agers or elderly senior-citizens need adequate protection when crisis strikes. I just hope that future “emergency-preparedness” will encompass far more precautions than we have previously have seen. I don’t want to trample on people’s liberties but nor do I want our nation crippled by uncertainty, shortages, and with people moving about so fluidly in a mobile society. Yes, incoming passengers of ships or airliners may have to endure a bit of delays to be screened/vetted for re-entry to our nation for everyone’s safety and security.

James A. Marples

Esbon