The Enemy Within

COVID-19 has been with us for over a year now, and in spite of promising new vaccines, it still doesn't appear that it will fade away anytime soon.

Stringent isolation protocols are still in effect in most jurisdictions and while that, along with wearing face masks, has had some impact, the numbers are still too high according to some government health agencies.

And the effects to society are really starting to show.

Even the most amiable of folks are starting to become irritable, resenting that they can't go anywhere beyond their immediate surroundings (government members apparently excluded).  Even worse are the sacrifices these same folks are making by not visiting friends and family.

So what do we do?  Do we continue down this isolationist road?  Businesses, including mine, have taken a huge hit.  Will we continue to survive?  At this rate, some of us will be presented with two choices: close up shop, or open up on the sly hoping we don't get caught.

Or there might be a third way:

Target and isolate the most vulnerable to ensure their safety and open up the rest of society.  

This was an idea proposed by Emergency Expert Lt. Colonel David Redman (https://www.calgarysun.com/news/local-news/corbella-10/wcm/dae297ae-4fbe-4035-a467-68a05ec2ba4e)

Is this controversial?  Is it THE answer?

Society is ill right now, not only with just COVID, but also with the effects of constantly being at home and away from other people.

What do the numbers need to look like before we are given the "all clear" by government? Will we ever be totally rid of this pestilence?

So what is the answer?  Should we isolate the few most at risk and open up society once again, accepting COVID as a part of life like we do the flu or the cold?  Or do we stay the course for however long?

Something has to change.

The Unwelcome Shadow

The times of freely consorting with your fellow human being seems so far in the past now.  Gone are the days, for many of us, of dropping in on family and friends without the special accommodation of wearing a mask and keeping about six feet apart.

The shadow of COVID-19 is now a part of life.

Governments have, in varying degrees, tried to cope with this menace.  In addition to social distancing and masks, many businesses have either voluntarily or been mandated to restrict access to their premises.  And in some cases, the result has not been a pretty one.  Small businesses, large businesses, and even iconic businesses who we all thought would be around forever have shuttered their doors for good.

Locally, it was August 1st, 2020 when the government decided to make masks and social distancing mandatory in public spaces.  A bit inconvenient perhaps but for the greater good.  And this seemed fine to many provided we could stamp this pestilence into a manageable part of our lives.

But what has happened?  As of this date, October 23, there are still over 3500 active cases with 427 new cases reported.  And there will be more to come.

How can this be?

Even with the minority failing to adhere to any regulation, it was thought the masks and social distancing would help.  Yet the numbers seem to suggest that very little has changed pre-mask to present day.  Are these two measures actually doing any good?

Don't get me wrong.  I have no problem with the government-imposed regulations (in this case!) and I am happy to follow them provided they really do make a difference.  But are they?  Are we going about this the wrong way and if so, what is the right way?

We have turned our economy on its head with record unemployment; we have also accepted self-isolation as our new religion.  There is depression, loneliness and even hopelessness.  

If we have to do these unpleasant things to our society, at least let the measures taken show that they are making a difference.

Because right now, the numbers don't bear this out.