Stop being careless, take COVID-19 seriously

THE EDITOR, Madam:

THE STAGGERING increase of new cases of the coronavirus second wave is scary for most of us, especially at the onset of the flu season in the Northern Hemisphere. So many new things to learn this year, but one fact remains above all others – that there are far too many ‘Covidiots’ living, walking, tweeting, Facebooking and breathing among us.

The Canadian Snowbird

Association just announced that over one-third of its 110,000 members will be wintering in their condos in Florida and other Sunbelt states, despite pleas from Canadian health authorities to stay at home during the pandemic. It’s my fervent hope that these seniors don’t get sick in the United States, where the pandemic is far more severe than at their homes in Canada; but if they fall ill, then you can bet your bottom dollar we’ll see news stories from their anxious relatives begging the government to bring them home.

After the necessary spring lockdown across so many countries, regulations were eased as the infection curve flattened due to the vast majority of people across the globe following protocols. However, when restrictions were lifted with more schools and businesses reopened, far too many figured they would forget about the simple advice to wash hands, wear masks and maintain social distance, so the pandemic has returned with a vengeance. It’s not governments nor health authorities to blame, but the people who figure they know more than those who are in charge of our well-being.

Sadly, some acquaintances I’ve known for about 25 years think the pandemic is all a hoax and a threat to their constitutional rights. They spread disinformation on their social media pages every day about conspiracy theories and the like, while singing misguided, mendacious myths and mantras (4M) against limiting travel, staying at home, taking vaccinations and wearing masks.

If adults behave like spoiled children, then maybe we should simply treat them like spoiled children by teaching them the rules of the road. If you break the traffic rules, your recklessness can result in an accident that causes injury, or even death, to yourself or others.

Like the rules of the road, easy-to-understand regulations have been laid down regarding handwashing, mask wearing and social distancing; disobeying them should result in penalties. When you start bleating about the strain the pandemic has had on your mental health, please remember the mental health of citizens in less fortunate countries.

BERNIE SMITH Parksville, BC

Canada