Editor’s note: During the course of a week, issues are covered that might not lend themselves to full editorial comment, but they are worthy of The Sunday Telegraph weighing in – thumbs up, thumbs down or neutral.

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Thumbs Up – To health officials as they spend the next two weeks investigating whether ventilation systems have contributed to coronavirus outbreaks at nursing homes. More than 30 long-term care facilities have experienced outbreaks, and their residents account for 82% of the state’s deaths from COVID-19. As of Tuesday, only four outbreaks remained active, said Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori Shibinette. The review by her department and the state Fire Marshal began last week and will initially focus on facilities that have had outbreaks to see whether ventilation and other infrastructure affected how the virus spread. Let’s hope officials get to the heart of the issue and make long-term care facilities safer.

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Thumbs DOWN – To those that feel the need to do damage to other people’s property, specifically in downtown Nashua. Last week, a vandal struck on Main Street, tossing traffic barrels into the street and upsetting plants and decorations at several eateries. These – and all – businesses are trying their best during a bad situation, and the last thing they need is to have their property vandalized. We hope that these incidents are few and far between, and that the culprits are handled accordingly by law enforcement. Outdoor dining has added such a unique and welcome offering that we hope it will continue for many years to come.

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THUMBS UP – To the .New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association for postponing the start of practice for fall sports seasons. While we think it is important to move forward with sports this year, conditions also must be safe to protect our prep athletes. If that can’t be done, call off the season.

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