Opinions. Science. Counts. Graphs. Charts. Proof. Counterproof. Lies. Truth. Rules. Experts. And…politicians. As I pen some thoughts, I’m going to also share a cranky observation or two. I know more people who’ve tested positive for COVID-19 in the past two weeks than at any other time during this pandemic. I also say this as I fully prepare to hop aboard a rule-relaxed cruise ship on Monday - mask ready for overcrowded indoor spaces.
No. I have not had ‘the vid.’ Also, my immediate family has remained COVID free and is boosted to the available levels. I say this not for any kudos nor any slams. I’m also not going to condemn others who’ve chosen a different path, except for the selfish, fucking idiots who lollygag in the bullshit of nutbar commentators.
Our own reality is one of having an extended family with two immunocompromised adults - one being a transplant recipient and the other being my mother who is in extended care. COVID or any other infection has a high chance of killing them. With this in mind, my son has chosen to wear a mask any time he’s in public (including at school) - outdoors or not - it’s his personal choice and not ours. He’s also 12.
And yes, even with all these precautions, our COVID-free family is simply lucky. Yet, I do know that we continue to take more precautions than several friends who’ve had COVID three times or more.
Let’s be honest - the pandemic is not over. Not in Canada. Not in the U.S. Not around the world. What is over is the degree of vigilance that was once backed by our leaders…the same leaders who are now ostriching their heads in the sands of vaccinations.
Precautions at what cost?
The answer is our protectors (health officers, regulators and politicians) have tilted the scales in favor of relaxing rules while downplaying spikes in transmission, variants, long-haul impacts and any need for a regular cadence of public communication. You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Ignorance is bliss. Those at the greatest risk be damned.
Meanwhile, I thank those journalists who continue to report the unpopular truth and question so-called authorities. Public health should not be dictated by public wealth. I also admire those who exercise their personal choice to wear masks and take other precautions - even if they face opinions, questions and worse. And I hold a special place in my heart for the immunocompromised who are watching from the sidelines, often more afraid than they let on.