Letter: Thank you, COVID-19 relief team

Graphic by Lori Deaton

So much seems off in the world right now that I want to acknowledge something going in a good direction with a heartfelt “thank you” to the entire Buncombe COVID relief team.

From the web managers and call center agents, to the meeters and greeters, the registration folks, the people administering vaccines, the supervising physicians and all the other folks involved in implementing and managing this effort at A-B Tech and Reynolds High School, you are showing the rest of the country how to effectively run a mass vaccination program that serves many hundreds of people every day.

From published reports and conversations with friends elsewhere, you definitely rolled out Buncombe County’s program well ahead of other areas in the country in terms of shots in the arm. That means our community will be able to save more lives and get back on its feet faster down the road as well.

As of [Feb. 1], the county has lost 263 people to this pandemic. We will lose more before this letter is published. The lives of the families and friends they leave behind are forever transformed. There is no Normal. We are all Covidweary. But your efforts — coupled with a continuing commitment by everyone else to mask up, wash up and keep themselves and others safe — will hopefully turn the tide.

So take a bow, all of you, for a job well done so far and please keep up the good work!

— Mike Breck
Asheville

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Letters
We want to hear from you! Send your letters and commentary to letters@mountainx.com

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

9 thoughts on “Letter: Thank you, COVID-19 relief team

  1. henry

    Absolutely, thanks. My wife and I had our first Covid vaccinations last week at AB-Tech. It was a highly organized supportive process that deserves recognition. The limitation of lack of vaccine is outside of the control of BCDHHS. Imagine how many more could be served, if supply was adequate.

  2. North Asheville

    Yes, the Buncombe County Covid vaccination program is top notch. Everyone involved at A-B, from the officers who pointed the way through the parking garage, to the people who greeted and took information, certainly the nurses, and the people who helped afterwards, was welcoming and efficient. Gratitude to all.

  3. Jim

    What happened to the seasonal flu deaths, I’m not trying to be contrary, Covid deaths have replaced the normal deaths from flu. Masks don’t help if you read the REAL “science”, you are being lied to, research for your self.

        • Jim

          Dr Fakee from back a year ago, you know “science”
          ” The only people who need masks are those who are already infected to keep from exposing others. The masks sold at drugstores aren’t even good enough to truly protect anyone, Fauci said.

          “If you look at the masks that you buy in a drug store, the leakage around that doesn’t really do much to protect you,” he said. “People start saying, ‘Should I start wearing a mask?’ Now, in the United States, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever to wear a mask.”

          • MikeB

            There is a difference between not doing much and not doing anything, so please do something and start wearing a mask – if not for you, for everyone else.

          • Jim

            Mike B, since MTX won’t let me comment on your comment directly, The “science” disproves everything you said. Masks ONLY contain large particles like people that spit when they talk, but not the aerosols that normally escape due to poor fit. Ever seen someone’s glasses fogged up while wearing one? If it’s SO CONTAGIOUS, why isn’t there bio waste containment places to accept used masks? I’m seeing them laying in parking lots… I’m contributing to “herd immunity” by not wearing a face diaper. (you know, when they said people getting a virus with over 99% percent survival rate contributed to herd immunity, before it was scrubbed for only “vaccine” herd immunity. You’re being played for a sucker.

  4. MikeB

    I happily wear a mask, and wash my hands to do my part in helping stop the unnecessary spread of this disease by people, like you, who don’t. I hope you do not get sick and die or infect anyone else through your “stupid science.”

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.