If we don’t have our health, what matter the economy?

Re:

Dr. Hirji stands firm on COVID-19 orders, Nov. 17

I have been reading, with growing frustration, numerous articles regarding the virus, lockdowns and the economy.

The countries that have had success in keeping some control have used lockdowns. It has been the only thing that works.

Here in Canada, lockdowns were imposed so our health-care system was not overwhelmed, because as everyone knows, on a good day, our hospitals are taxed to their limits. We all saw the pictures from Italy and Spain and heard the stories of doctors having to decide which patient should receive mechanical ventilation. Our governments did not want to put that burden on our doctors.

Now that case numbers are rising, our leaders, again, do not want doctors in that position. As well, they do not want nurses, PSWs, LPNs and doctors overworked and overwhelmed. An overworked health-care person will make mistakes.

To achieve that level of protection, our leaders have been forced to put more restrictions in place. It is quite the delicate balancing act to try to keep the economy functioning while keeping our workforce healthy and our hospitals from being overrun. People should stop complaining and think about the deeper picture.

Wearing a mask has become a contentious issue. Yes, it is uncomfortable. But masks work. Would you want the operating room team to not be wearing a mask if you had surgery?

Here in Niagara, some restaurant owners have gone as far as to publish the cellphone number of our public health doctor. He has been harassed and vague threats have been made. How shameful.

It is time to grow up and band together. It is time for economists to be quiet. It is time to listen to the science. It is time to be strong. Taking care of each other is the most important thing right now, if we do not have good health, the rest does not matter.

Terry Morocco

Welland