No time to wobble

Let’s not mince words about the pandemic. Things could easily get much worse before they get better.

With the number of COVID-19 cases continuing to rise across Atlantic Canada, tougher restrictions here may be necessary to try to contain the coronavirus.

That could include scaling back the Atlantic bubble. Political leaders in the region have recently mused about the possibility — though we’re not there, yet — border controls might need to be reestablished between Atlantic provinces. Travel from the rest of Canada could also be largely shut down.

Worryingly, along with rising numbers, at least some new infections appear to be occurring via community spread, not just from individuals returning from travel outside the bubble.

If the upward trend in cases continues, more restrictive lockdown measures are inevitable.

After eight months of pandemic-sparked restrictions, that’s not news anyone wants to hear.

But with winter coming, new infections spiking seemingly uncontrollably in other parts of the world and — thankfully — the promise of safe, effective vaccines possible by spring, now is precisely the wrong time to falter in our resolve to keep our loved ones and communities safe.

That means it’s more important than ever to follow Public Health guidelines: Wash your hands, wear a protective mask, social-distance, keep gatherings small and self-isolate if you have symptoms or just returned from outside the bubble.

And, as P.E.I. Premier Dennis King said, "You do not need to go Christmas shopping in Moncton.”

We urge everyone to download and use the federal COVID-19 Alert app, which helps track new infections and issues warnings to users if they’ve possibly been exposed to someone who’s tested positive for COVID-19.

Across Canada, there have so far been close to five million downloads and almost 3,000 people have used the app to report positive coronavirus test results.

With the holidays fast approaching, instead of travelling to shop, try buying local whenever possible. Along with helping to limit transmissions, you’ll be helping small businesses in your community.

Many local retailers are offering contactless shopping and delivery options. Gift cards for many local businesses are also available.

Unfortunately, people also need to be on the lookout for increased COVID-inspired scam attempts.

Scam artists, sadly caring nothing for others, are taking advantage of people’s emotions, including increased loneliness and financial uncertainty, to bilk them out of their hard-earned savings.

There have been reports of fraudulent offers via social media to pay people as much as $1,200 to take in various COVID-19 studies. Romance scams, always one of the biggest cons around, have been incorporating false claims of coronavirus infections to win sympathy and elicit financial help.

Needless to say, don’t share personal information with strangers online or click on links or attachments in unsolicited emails or texts.

If this all paints a rather dismal picture, remember: an unprecedented global scientific research effort has produced a number of promising vaccines, with excellent preliminary results.

We’re getting there. An end to the pandemic is within sight. But, for now, we’ve got to bear down and stay the course.