Sherbrooke Record

The reason why we need to follow the rules

- By Louise Smith

There are many reasons to be extra vigilant during this second “lock-down”. The numbers are way too high and the spread is increasing exponentia­lly.

But the main reason is the ability of our health system to be able to deliver service when it is needed. The physical buildings and the ICUS are filling up. It is not easy, but it is possible to find more space. But more importantl­y than space, is the personnel to man the extra beds. All levels of workers in the health care system are reaching a breaking point. They are tired, constantly exposed to the virus, and emotionall­y drained.

Other front line workers are potentiall­y, daily, exposed to the virus. Workers in long term care facilities, cashiers. bank tellers, teachers and other members of the educationa­l system, and others, meet with a large group of people regularly. The infection rate among this group of workers is just slightly behind, or in the case of senior homes, equal to the rate of health care workers. On the nature walk, down by the beach in Cowansvill­e, there are decoration­s lining the trail. One of the more significan­t ones is of an angel made out of face masks. The message attached to the bottom of the angel reads “In honour of our health care workers and front line workers.”

This is a temporary inconvenie­nce. The healthy goal at the end is the prize.

Right: An angel that reads “In honor of our health-care workers and front line workers.”

 ?? LOUISE SMITH ??
LOUISE SMITH

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