Diary: Living with a pandemic 14 (Thursday 26 March 2020)

Cases continue to rise in number in every country outside of China. Unfortunately, most of them did not clamp down hard on travel and group prohibitions soon enough and may end up with much higher infection and death rates per capita.

News reports right now are filled with:

·         New rules regarding self-isolation and physical distancing

·         Hospitals getting ready to receive more patients, including finding more equipment and supplies to cope with the numbers

·         Governments putting together financial aid for individuals and businesses

Many people are wondering about testing. In Alberta, Canada, where we live, as of March 25^th, there have been 419 cases confirmed (61 in the last day) of which 33 are a result of community transmission, that is they are not related or can be traced to people who have returned from outside the country, or people who have been in contact with those travellers. Currently, 20 individuals have been hospitalized, of whom 8 are in intensive care.

While these numbers are small, they represent only a small segment of those who may have contracted Covid-19 as testing has been restricted to only those who have shown serious symptoms. Anyone with mild symptoms are being advised to stay home and will not be tested. We may never know the true numbers of infected persons as most people who contract the disease will have only mild symptoms and will stay home until they are well.

Everyone – well, at least almost everyone with any sense – recognizes that this virus is transmitted from person to person in close contact with each other. So, we have moved past requesting people to stay apart or away from other groups if they are out and are making such gatherings illegal with fines imposed for those who do not follow the rules.

Anyone returning from outside the province is being told they must quarantine themselves for 14 days, again with penalties imposed if they do not. We in Canada are much later than other countries in mandating this action. Hopefully it will still work to slow the spread of the virus.

Families with children are, of course, challenged to provide entertainment, but the message is still STAY HOME and do what you need to do to STAY HEALTHY. Following is some of the advice from our provincial Chief Medial Office of Health (Dr. Deena Hinshaw):

“As new cases arise, I know that some Albertans may be feeling tired of the constant barrage of information, and they may be wondering what more they can do. The answer is simple: we must all do everything possible to follow all public health recommendations in place. All of us have a role – and a responsibility – to stop the spread, and there are actions that all of us can take. These extend to our homes, our families and our traditions. For example:

·         Limit sharing of open food, even between family members.

·         Don’t share snacks, like a family popcorn bowl, open candy, nuts or other snacks like this.

·         Limit the availability of a communal fruit bowl.

·         Don’t share cups, drinks or utensils, and have one person as the designated person to serve all others so that a serving utensil is handled by only one person.

·         Wash your hands, disinfect surfaces often, include this in your daily household routine and make it part of the new normal for your children also.

·         Now is not the time to plan any travel, even to other cities or provinces, or to attend large family gatherings or dinners.

We must maintain social-distancing practices – even when we are together with family. Now is not the time to visit grandparents for Sunday dinner. Now is not the time to host or attend a potluck with friends. Now is not the time to plan for a family reunion. This is the time to stay home and work together to limit the spread.

Please practice good hygiene and keep two metres between you and others.”

What more can be said?