A three-step method to fend off another wave
Prepare a COVID-19 battle plan now, write Jim Dewald and Jon Meddings
Albertans are stepping forward and getting vaccinated. We are being rightfully rewarded with daily case rates of five per cent what they were weeks ago, and with the relaxation of health guidelines that will allow us to fully enjoy the summer. After such a long and burdensome year and a half of fear, restrictions and loss, this is very welcome news.
However, the question remains, are we done with COVID-19? Is this the end, the start of the end, or just another chapter in the story?
No one knows for sure, but considering the global state of vaccinations, virus cases, variants and waves, it would at least be prudent to be prepared for more cases. Even if it is a slim chance of another wave, what are the downsides to planning over the summer? It is time to take what has been learned across the globe and prepare the best plan in the event of another wave — or waves — coming our way.
To address the falsely presented dichotomy of economics versus health, we have collaborated to suggest a path forward that respects our society's public health and economic needs. Here is our three-step plan for the province to follow, starting right now.
Firstly, vaccinations are the best protection against further waves. Canada has among the highest rates of vaccination in the world when it comes to first doses, but we must not stop until every single person, including children, is vaccinated. This is by far our best defence against COVID and its variants, and we must not waver in pressing for everyone to be protected. Businesses and public institutions need to implement incentives to encourage the full vaccination of employees and stakeholders. At the first hint of a new wave, we encourage all businesses and public institutions to limit in-person access to only those who are vaccinated.
Why should we all suffer in lockdowns when most of us have been responsible by getting the vaccine? Why should businesses have to close because a small minority of people have not taken the responsible action of being vaccinated?
Some will ask, “what about those who cannot get vaccinated?” From a medical perspective, this is an exceedingly tiny group, at the very most it will be a very small sliver of the population. Choosing not to get vaccinated is a personal choice, and that is fine. But, there should be consequences for those who choose not to get vaccinated, not for the rest of us who are doing our part by getting vaccinated as an important contribution to overall public health. With an adequate supply of vaccines, there are almost no valid reasons left to not be vaccinated.
Secondly, we need to be much more sophisticated in understanding and addressing the stealth nature of the COVID virus. This virus has three distinctive challenges: it is highly contagious (with variants being even more contagious), it transfers through people without necessarily showing itself (i.e. asymptomatic patients), and it is deadly. Now is the time to stockpile and develop protocol and training for massive distribution of rapid tests so if another wave hits, we can use the U.K. at-home test system to allow people to know immediately if they have contracted COVID, allow for quick contact tracing to stop the spread, and isolate only those who pose a risk to others. After 18 months, less than one per cent of Canadians have contracted COVID, but we continue to feel our only tool is a 100 per cent lockdown that harms all. It is time to smarten up.
The third thing we need to do is support others around the world to have access to vaccines, and to take vaccines as the strongest means to combat COVID. In Canada, we have one of the highest adoption rates of vaccines (first dose, but growing in second doses), but we are constantly at risk as the virus transmits globally.
COVID has shown itself as appearing, then retracting in waves. We are entering a low point in the wave. No one knows for sure if a new wave will crest, but why wait until we are once again scrambling to get on top of the situation?
Now is the time to fully prepare with a new battle plan for the next wave.