Letters: I lost someone to COVID. House Bill 87 won’t help in the fight – NOLA.com

As someone who lost a family member to COVID-19, I believe House Bill 87, which prevents businesses that don't mandate the COVID vaccine from being sued if employees get sick willdo more harm than good.

My son-in-law was 48 when he died in February 2021 after catching COVID. My daughter became a widow at 37, and two teenaged girls lost their father. There was no vaccine available for my son-in-law. In February 2021, wearing masks, hand washing, and social distancing were the recommendations coming from officials.

My son-in-law was a military veteran and a working professional in the prime of his life.

He started feeling bad, developed a cough, tested positive for COVID-19, was seen by a doctor and prescribed medication for his cough. Three days later when he developed a fever, my daughter took him to the ER, and he was admitted to the hospital. Over the next three weeks, even though doctors and medical staff did all they could do for him, his condition worsened.

During that period, my daughter couldn't visit him. Before he was put on the ventilator, she did get to speak to him. Thankfully he was moved to an ICU room where she, my wife and I could see him, but he was sedated. On Feb. 6, 2021, my son-in-law died from COVID-19.

But my son-in-law wasn't the only one who died from COVID-19 that day. Across America, thousands of people died that day from the illness. I wore a mask then and still do, and I never caught COVID. But as a pastor, I understand and respect those that choose not to wear a mask.

I hope the Senate would come to a workable solution for both sides instead of being influenced by the callous, insensitive words of stateRep. Michael Echols.

RANDY PERKINS

Zachary

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Letters: I lost someone to COVID. House Bill 87 won't help in the fight - NOLA.com