Letter to the editor: Let's keep coronavirus numbers in perspective

It has been said that the devil can quote Scripture for his purpose. In the same vein, one can cite statistics to promote a point of view. The article “8 new coronavirus cases in Westmoreland County, state total tops 4,000” (March 30, TribLIVE) told us that from March 29 to March 30, the total number of cases went from 47 to 55, a 17% increase.

But let’s look at that number from a different perspective. The population of Westmoreland County, according to the U.S. Census Bureau as of last April, is 348,899. I’m no statistician, but I know that 55 is an extremely small percentage of 348,899. As of April 28, there have been 19 deaths in Westmoreland County. Most cases are relatively mild.

Let’s continue to be vigilant. Let’s continue to do our part to contain and manage this threat. But let’s also keep it in perspective and above all else, don’t freak out! This, too, shall pass.

Greg Stock

Jeannette