Living with a pandemic 43

 Are we learning anything?

Most news reports about the pandemic these days are about the rising infections related to opening up the economy and the schools. Many people are nervous or angry or both as restrictions are eased or new procedures are put in place.

The new protocols, if one can describe them as that, are nothing but new experiments because no one really knows what might work to reduce or halt the spread of Covid-19. And yet, on the other hand, there is a group who think that all limitations on public behavior should never have been imposed. Have we learned anything from past epidemics and pandemics?

National Geographic has an interesting analysis of the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic and how different jurisdictions reacted to rising infections and deaths. Cities that shut down schools and enforced physical distancing early fared better.

We are doing many things that were done during past pandemics. The question is were they instituted in time to avoid the worst of the impacts. In Canada the rate of infection growth has been slowed with much better results than in many other parts of the world. Our deaths are ~244 per million population, far less than the worst-hit regions. The province of Alberta is just ~55 per million population. [Covid-19 infections confirmed at 10 September 2020 – 11,781; deaths – 253]

Locally, while cases are climbing again, hospitalizations are not. It is still worrying, though. Most new cases are among younger age groups who are trying vainly to go about their normal lives again. We may or may not have entered a second wave. There is non one alive that remembers the 1918 flu or what to expect.

In reading about the events of 100 years ago, it is interesting to learn that methods have not changed much other than medical facilities are much more advanced. Even in the last six months our medical people have learned more about what works in treatments and what is less effective. We are fortunate that this virus, while highly infectious, has not yet reached the devastation of the Spanish Flu.

I think we have learned from the past in getting control early and bringing in rules and restrictions to stem the tide of infections. There is not time to rest on our laurels, though, or relax our vigilance.

References to the Spanish Flu pandemic in Canada:

Alberta Doctors’ Digest (May – June 2020):

By the time the infection was over, Alberta would officially record 38,308 cases with 4,380 deaths (cf. 40,000 to 60,000 deaths in Canada) in a population of 500,000. Many felt this under-reported the cases. . . Most of those affected were 20 to 40 years of age. Houses were quarantined with a placard placed in the window, although not everyone chose to flag their homes. . . on October 30, all non-essential stores were closed, although some offered telephone-ordered goods for front door pick up. The community response was not unanimous. Some churches circulated pamphlets condemning their closure.

CBC News (December 2018):

Those struck by the illness were those impacted by the city's rapid urbanization, living in cramped, slum-like conditions . . . Many were young mothers, some whose husbands had left for the war. . . If Calgarians were hit hard, those living on reserves were hit harder. . . By the end of October, the province ruled everyone must wear face masks outside their home to stop the spread of the disease, loitering was banned and police were given the authority to quarantine people if deemed necessary.

Edmonton Journal (March 2020):

. . . They [theatres] were forced to close anyway on Oct. 18, when the Edmonton Board of Health banned public gatherings and ordered schools and churches to shut their doors. Gauze masks became mandatory — the Journal even printed instructions for how to make one out of cheesecloth. . . Businesses struggled to stay open. The government forced stores and offices to remain closed until 1 p.m.

The Canadian Encyclopedia (March 2020):

The pandemic brought not only death but social and economic disruption as well. Children were left parentless and many families found themselves without their chief wage earner. Armies on both sides of the First World War were temporarily debilitated. Businesses lost profits because of lack of demand for their products or because they were unable — as a result of a reduced work force — to meet the demand. Municipal governments, in an attempt to halt the spread of the disease, closed all except necessary services. Provinces enacted laws regarding quarantine and enforced the wearing of masks in public.