To the editor:

Response to Wednesday’s story, “Comparing precautions”:

On Wednesday, the Think Tank, a new local group, began to distribute a “Best Practices Checklist for Retail” compiled from practices seen at local stores and from CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines. Our intent is to generate awareness and guide people to take precautions to decrease their likelihood of infection.

The Think Tank is not political in any way, the group did not intend to create negativity. We understand that every business and person was doing the best they knew and were able to do. Our message comes from concern for our community.

After discussion with the village health coordinator Wednesday evening, we revised two items:

1. “Checking employee health (fever, cough, any COVID-positive housemate),” rather than implying employers check actual temperatures.

2. “Limit number of customers in store to reduce crowding,” replacing the five people per 1,000 square feet, which wouldn’t work for most businesses in our area.

With consistency among stores in their precautions, we can put our community in a good position to let visitors and second home owners from elsewhere know what we expect of them. They are already arriving, and we want them to take the same precautions we are taking. We each care for ourselves and in turn care for each other. As with all great efforts, we are stronger when working together.

Melinda Walton

Saranac Lake