pandemic life

Tuesday July 25, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday July 25, 2023

The Persistent Threat of COVID-19: Preparing for the Long Haul

As the world continues to navigate the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, we find ourselves experiencing a temporary lull in cases and hospitalizations. However, it is crucial not to be complacent as this may be just a momentary respite from the challenges posed by the virus. Despite the current decline in numbers, it is becoming evident that COVID-19 will remain a cause for concern for years to come.

July 18, 2023

Experts have cautiously welcomed the recent decline in COVID cases and hospitalizations. The availability of vaccines and public health measures has played a role in driving down infection rates. However, we must remember that this downward trend might not last. As we move into the fall season, with students returning to schools and people spending more time indoors, the virus may find renewed opportunities to spread rapidly once again.

The data from past COVID peaks and troughs suggests that immunity levels in the population significantly influence transmission rates. In the early days of the pandemic, only a small percentage of the population had COVID antibodies due to infection. Today, a much larger proportion of the population has been exposed to the virus, either through infection or vaccination. This means that changes in COVID cases and hospitalizations will likely be a reflection of how much the virus is being transmitted, which, in turn, depends on people’s behavior and adherence to safety measures.

The emergence of highly transmissible variants, such as the Omicron subvariants XBB.1.5 and XBB.1.16, raises additional concerns. These variants have the ability to escape immunity and pose a challenge to current vaccination efforts. While vaccines have been effective in reducing severe outcomes, their effectiveness against new variants may vary. The need for ongoing research and adaptation of vaccine formulations remains critical.

December 3, 2021

The pandemic has already taken a toll on healthcare systems and the overall well-being of individuals. Even as cases decrease, we must not forget that many COVID survivors continue to suffer from long-term health effects. Moreover, vulnerable populations and healthcare facilities still face outbreaks and strains that demand continued vigilance and preparedness.

The path forward requires a balanced approach. Efforts to encourage vaccinations and booster shots, especially for vulnerable populations, will play a crucial role in mitigating future waves of infections. Continued adherence to public health guidelines, such as mask-wearing and physical distancing when necessary, will also be vital in curbing transmission.

As we progress through this ongoing pandemic, it is essential to remain vigilant, adaptive, and compassionate towards one another. COVID-19 will continue to be a challenge that impacts our lives for the foreseeable future, but with proactive measures and a collective commitment, we can better navigate the road ahead. (AI)

 

Thursday March 10, 2022

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday March 10, 2022

Ontario to drop most mask mandates on March 21, remaining pandemic rules to lift by end of April

August 25, 2021

Ontario will scrap most mask mandates — including in schools, restaurants, gyms and stores — across the province on March 21, with remaining COVID-19 regulations also set to drop by the end of April. 

The province says improving health indicators, such as a stable COVID-19 test positivity rate and declining hospitalizations, as well as Ontario’s high vaccination rate and the availability of antiviral treatments, allow for these steps.

The province’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Kieran Moore, announced the new changes Wednesday. 

“We are now learning to live with and manage COVID-19 for the long term,” Moore said. “This necessitates a shift to a more balanced response to the pandemic.”

However, Moore said removing the mask mandate “does not mean the risk is gone” or the pandemic is over.

Saturday June 26, 2021

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday June 26, 2021

Ontario to move to Step 2 of reopening ahead of schedule allowing for haircuts

April 25, 2020

The Ontario government has confirmed that the province will enter the second stage of its COVID-19 reopening strategy two days ahead of schedule.

This means that starting Wednesday, people will once again be able to host indoor gatherings of up to five people, meet with up to 25 people outdoors, and finally, after months of closure, book personal care services like hair cuts.

Outdoor performances and team sports can also resume and outdoor attractions such as water parks are allowed to reopen.

June 5, 2020

“Because of the tireless work of our health care heroes, and the record setting success of our vaccine rollout, we are able to move into Step Two ahead of schedule on June 30 with the support of our public health experts,” Premier Doug Ford said in a news release issued Thursday.

The further loosening of public health restrictions means that outdoor dining capacity limits can increase to six people per table, essential retail can double to 50 per cent capacity and non-essential retail can move to 25 per cent capacity, up from 15.

Also, shopping malls can reopen with restrictions and larger indoor religious services, like wedding and funeral services, can resume at 25 per cent capacity.

CTV News Toronto reported Wednesday that Ford was considering moving up the second step of economic reopening by two days.

Hair: Toronto Mayor John Tory

Prior to the announcement, the province had expected to enter Step 2 on July 2 at the earliest.

In order to enter Step 2 of the reopening strategy, the government said it needed to see 70 per cent of adults with one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 20 per cent with two doses for at least two weeks.

According to data released by the province, as of Wednesday, over 76 per cent of the population in Ontario above the age of 18 have received their first dose and over 29 per cent have received their second.

Based on Thursday’s announcement, Ontario is expected to enter Step 3 of its reopening plan, which allows for the most lenient of public health restrictions, on July 21 if COVID-19 cases continue to trend downwards and the rate of vaccination remains high. (CTV) 

 

Thursday December 17, 2020

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday December 17, 2020

A COVID Christmas can still be a giving time

Christmas is traditionally the biggest time for giving in Canada, but in this pandemic year that almost certainly won’t be the case.

December 8, 2018

Burdened by COVID-19-related financial stresses, fewer Canadians will be donating to charities this year, and many of those who do will offer less. At the same time, the pandemic has piled new responsibilities on top of the already burdensome workloads of many of the country’s charities that do everything from supporting the homeless to funding hospitals and vital medical research.

We’re not trying to make the year more depressing than it’s already been, but for the country’s charities, these conditions have created the perfect storm. And those fortunate Canadians who are still able to give to others should be aware of this.

They should listen to Bruce MacDonald, chief executive of Imagine Canada which works to support other charities across the land.

“The crisis is of a scale that we’ve not seen before,” he says, and his organization’s research backs his warning. No less than 68 per cent of Canadian charities have reported a drop in donations since the pandemic began. That translates into a massive, 30.6-per-cent decline in overall charitable revenues and possible losses of between $4.2 billion and $6.3 billion heading into a new year.

December 23, 2004

Hundreds of charities have already closed in 2020, even as 46 per cent of organizations in the sector told Imagine Canada that demands for their services have risen. Without a quick — and as yet unforeseen — turnaround, more charities will be forced to close while others will lay off staff and cut back the services they provide.

The public may not quickly notice some of these changes, even if they eventually prove profound. While there are close to 90,000 registered charities in the country, most are small, with budgets less $500,000 and are mainly run by volunteers. But the public might be surprised by some of the big-name charities have suffered a major hit.

December 18, 2001

The Globe and Mail recently reported that donations to the Canadian Cancer Society plunged by 70 per cent or $70 million this year while Cystic Fibrosis Canada had to cut 10 of its 69 staff members after what is expected to be a $6-million drop in its revenues.

Givings to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada fell by $13.5 million, just over 20 per cent, while after reducing its own operating costs by 30 per cent, the hard-hit United Way of Calgary is warning the organizations it supports that its funding to them could fall by the same amount.

Yes, the challenge facing the nation’s charities is grim. It’s not about numbers, either; it’s about people and social well-being. But it makes no sense to try to guilt every Canadian into stepping up because so many can’t.

Pandemic Times

Just 51 per cent of Canadians recently surveyed by Imagine Canada said they intend to make charitable donations this holiday season, a steep drop from the 62 per cent who answered in the affirmative in 2014. Thirty-six per cent of those who do plan to give say they will give less and the reason is often the same — the pandemic’s financial fallout.

So where does that leave Canada in this supposed season of giving? Whatever upheaval this year has brought, millions of Canadians have survived COVID-19 unscathed, their incomes and lifestyles untouched by the coronavirus. That’s also a fact.

To them we would say first: Consider the urgent, diverse and pervasive needs all around you. Then, we would simply add: Please remember your means. (Globe & Mail)

“MacKay’s point is more interesting. I might have avoided the red kettle, since Sally Ann gets criticized for mixing religion and charity, but it’s a recognizable symbol and the point remains that, if you can buy for your friends and family, you can help those without either.”

Friday December 11, 2020

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday December 11, 2020

Act now to stop anti-vaccine misinformation, says Ottawa researcher

December 1, 2020

Canadian regulators have approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, and one Ottawa researcher is urging public health authorities to start addressing false anti-vaccination information now to combat potential vaccine hesitancy.

Maxime Lê, a master’s candidate at the University of Ottawa who recently completed his thesis on anti-vaccine arguments in Canada, said now is the time to get ahead of conspiracy theories and misinformation around the COVID-19 vaccine.

One of the best weapons is answering people’s questions in a way that builds trust, he said.

“A lot of people are focusing on the logistical issues of vaccine delivery but the focus should indeed rely on that open and transparent communication,” Lê told CBC Radio’s All in a Day on Tuesday.

“Perhaps one of the reasons why people are so afraid is because their questions are not answered at all.”

A recent poll suggests that a fifth of Canadians are undecided about whether to get vaccinated while 16 per cent are against vaccination. Among the majority who said they wanted to get vaccinated, 15 per cent said they would wait several months before the shot and 38 per cent said they would wait one or two months, to make sure everything’s going well.

July 21, 2020

Lê said there are many themes that come up among people who question vaccines, from questioning the toxicity of ingredients, suggesting natural remedies or immunity as superior to vaccines, to the persistent myth that vaccines cause autism.

“People might be hesitant to vaccinate because they have unanswered questions, they have fears, they have concerns that public health authorities aren’t exactly addressing in their communications,” he said.

Lê suggests public health authorities begin consultations now to hear from residents about why they might be hesitant to get a COVID-19 vaccine to ensure they answer people’s questions and concerns, whatever they may be. 

He recently met with Ottawa Public Health (OPH) who he said was very receptive to his ideas. CBC reached out to OPH Tuesday but the agency was not able to provide information about its vaccine communications strategy by publishing time.

April 11, 2019

Lê said it’s important that organizations like OPH foster a trusting relationship with the public before anti-vaccination theorists have time to propagate misinformation.

“Anti-vaxxers position themselves as defenders of Canadian civil rights and liberties, and they’ll start to say these unscientific claims which, to everyday people, kind of make sense,” he said.

“It’s a fundamental misunderstanding of what exactly is good science.”

Earlier this week Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said 249,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses could arrive in Canada by the end of the year. The first shots will likely be distributed to long-term care home residents and staff.

Documents released by U.S. regulators Tuesday confirmed that Pfizer and BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine strongly protects against COVID-19. (CBC)