From the Editor
On Thursday, March 26, The BayNet reported on a live story regarding a suspicious package at the Callaway Post Office. At least one incremental detail of this story caused a rather strong negative reaction and some misinformation from another local news service.
The 4:06 p.m. update stated, “There are a possible seven patients. Lexington Park Rescue Squad has been requested to prep an ambulance for a possible Ebola patient. They are currently asking for more ambulances.”
At no point in our ongoing coverage did The BayNet state that there was an Ebola patient, just that an ambulance was being prepped to handle a “possible” Ebola patient. Many fire, rescue and emergency medical services departments throughout America have received special training to handle a variety of potentially lethal situations. Responders in our community, uncertain of what they were dealing with in this situation, were preparing to handle the most draconian of scenarios.
The situation at the post office March 26 had the potential to be very serious. The BayNet’s coverage accurately conveyed the uncertainty and the lethal ramifications. We were also the first to report authorities’ “all clear” when the situation was deemed safe.
The BayNet commends all our responders—fire, rescue, EMS and police for their efforts at handling this potentially hazardous situation.
Marty Madden, The BayNet Editor
To read the original story posted on March 27 click on the following link: Post office evacuated due to unknown substance.