Are the risks worth it to P.E.I.?
Letting seasonal residents return risks gains P.E.I. has made against coronavirus
As in every situation, especially when money is concerned, there are winners and there are losers. Looking at our Island community it is not difficult in some cases to see what side one is on. Workers considered “essential” — for instance grocery store and small business staff, have no extra government top-ups or relief; in some cases their hours have recently been cut.
These are minimum-wage or slightly higher wage earners, who deal with hundreds of strangers every day, who in many cases now have to pay for daycare. The “Thank you essential-workers signs” are not enough.
As most Islanders we have done our best, we have stayed home; we have followed social distancing, we have washed our hands as often as possible, and so on. Our terrific Dr. Morrison, chief medical officer, has protected Islanders from the COVID-19 virus in an unheard of way, with not even one hospitalization. Through her efforts we have weathered the first wave of this pandemic. P.E.I. is “the envy of the world” in freedom from the coronavirus. It is starting to bear fruit – restaurants, playgrounds and beaches are reopening; smaller surgeries are being permitted; visits to seniors’ homes are allowed on a limited basis. The unfortunate result of her exhaustive and professional work and advice to government, though, is that some Islanders feel that the COVID-19 virus is contained, and that we are somehow immune, or able to handle the odd case.
Ninety thousand Canadians and 6,000,000 people worldwide would disagree. The numbers keep growing. Two weeks ago, in Campbellton, N.B., all businesses, parks, etc that had been opened had to be shut down again, because of one individual. Are we ready to step back?
What exactly will Islanders get in return for letting in 2,300 car loads of seasonal residents? Are we gambling their vacations versus our new freedoms and our health? I see in some letters to the editor suggestions along the line of "Let ‘er rip” — let everybody in". Or, "We are all living in fear,” Yes, a pandemic does that. We did, and still have fears, but now downgrading to mistrust, which will lead to confidence in our province. If we keep the coronavirus out.
The question often asked is "will we have a tourist season this year"? The actual question should be "will we have a tourist season — next year"? The Island chambers of commerce are starting to see a glimmer of light. Protect it. Or we will have nothing, again; except long hair.
The chief medical officer has broad powers but is not — strictly speaking — a law-maker. Through Dr. Morrison’s efforts we have weathered the first wave of this pandemic. So far, Premier King has been able to publicly share responsibility (and television time) with Dr. Morrison but Islanders have to realize that the decision to open or close the province is not Dr. Morrison’s to make. It was, and will continue to be, Premier King’s.
The total responsibility for letting anyone into the province is squarely on the premier’s desk, and his alone.
The mayor of a small B.C. town, which has a very large summer seasonal population from Alberta said it best: " Please stay home. This is your second home; it is our only home.”