Dear editor:

A  concerning COVID-19 study, out of the USA , has alarming consequences for resident populations under 50,000 people.  

To date the concentration of deaths have been in highly populated areas,  New York city etc., however spikes in COVID-19 cases around the world are now being reported in less-populated areas as they open up their economies and transition back to normalcy.

The thinking at this juncture has been due to the combination and lack of, or use, of personal protective equipment (PPE ). 

As NOTL falls into the 50,000 and under category, a high-risk area due to our seniors population and influx of tourism, I would recommend a serious review by our town officials to make the wearing of face masks compulsory. 

This would be of particular importance in the Heritage District and other targeted high-traffic areas where social distancing is nigh impossible.

Not to do so potentially exposes NOTL as a future hot spot statistic.

Samuel Young

NOTL