Who's responsible for the second wave?

The statistics tell us younger adults are ignoring rules, says David Martin.

In the latest pandemic news, it looks like we're in a second wave of COVID-19 both here and in the United States. As we were warned, this didn't have to be. Since we were able to flatten the curve during the summer, there was no reason we couldn't have taken the necessary steps to ensure it remained flattened.

Alas, that did not happen. September and October brought increasing numbers testing positive and an increase in hospitalizations and deaths. Unless we turn things around soon, we're likely to experience a dark, nasty winter.

In order to reverse the latest trend, it's essential to ask what went wrong and who is to blame. What went wrong is that young people did not abide by the rules and guidelines and thus are the ones primarily responsible for our current mess.

The stats in Ontario reveal that the highest numbers of COVID-19 cases have been in people under 40, the highest proportion of those in their 20s. Anecdotal evidence underscores that finding with continuous reports of large indoor and outdoor parties populated by unmasked, non-physically distanced young people.

Some will argue that we shouldn't blame this demographic for our worsening situation. After all, goes the argument, this is the age where socialization is of the utmost importance. If anyone should be forgiven for such behaviour, it is the so-called millennials and

Gen Z.

While I am somewhat sympathetic, it does not excuse irresponsible behaviour. It is one thing if they wish to run the risk of getting sick themselves; it is quite another to expose everyone else to the virus.

Not all members of this group are selfish and unheeding of the health of others. Many are taking all necessary precautions and doing their part to fight back the virus. But the numbers show that far too many are not paying attention and, even when they are, they don't seem to care. They are quickly earning the sobriquet the Selfish Generation.

Sure, it's hard to follow the guidelines to slow the pandemic. But it sure is a lot easier than what was required of previous generations.

Thinking particularly of the United States, it seemed like every generational group had its battle to fight: the Second World War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War or the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars. Americans (and in several of those cases, Canadians) in their 20s had to enlist in the military and risk life and limb.

Mostly, they answered the call of duty.

What are we asking of our young people today? It's not a call to arms or a willingness to sacrifice one's life for one's country. Instead, all we're asking is that you practise physical distancing, avoid large groups and sometimes wear a mask.

These measures may be inconvenient and your social life may be somewhat restricted for the next year but it seems like a small ask to avoid more deaths. Try to think of this sacrifice as your duty to your fellow citizens, in effect your task in lieu of military service.

For past generations, the call to service was often couched in the shaming phrase “What did you do during the war?” For the health of the nation, I would ask you to look ahead a generation when your children will ask you “What did you do during the pandemic?” I hope you'll be proud of your answer.