There are limits to ‘freedom’
For people who think that having to get vaccinations is an issue of ‘freedom,’ no problem. If you do not want to get vaccinated, fine. But when you get sick, do not come to the hospital! AL SADEGURSKY TORONTO
The vaccine hesitant’s perspective, Jan. 22
I can understand and empathize with those who have had previous bad experiences with vaccines and/ or medications.
What really irks me is the lack of what I call logical, reasonable thinking on the ultimate decision as to whether to be vaccinated.
Humankind has always been a guinea pig for vaccines in order to save it from the spread of horrible diseases.
The COVID-19 vaccines are helping greatly to mitigate the degrees of sickness and loss of life.
The misguided thought that mandating vaccines is a violation of a person’s freedoms is absolutely mind-boggling. I do not know if there is a country on earth where there are no rules.
There are traffic laws Greg Bates must obey while delivering goods. There are laws against murder and mayhem. There are vaccination laws which are in effect to keep our children safe when they enter schools for the first time.
Bates says he is fighting for freedom. Would he have all laws repealed to achieve that goal?
Bob Zeleny, Thornhill
On the freedom to forgo medical care in hospitals’ ICU The vaccine hesitant’s perspective, Jan. 22
All we hear about today is how vaccinations infringe on the “freedom of choice” of the vaccine-hesitant.
I have found a way that allows everyone to have their choice and simplify the huge issue of our hospitals and health-care system.
For people who think that having to get vaccinations is an issue of “freedom,” no problem. If you do not want to get vaccinated, fine. But when you get sick, do not come to the hospital!
You should not be taking up beds for those who cannot get vaccinated, for those who really are sick, for those people who have had surgeries postponed.
Hospitalizations would be reduced. The number of ICU admissions would be down. Fewer surgeries would have to be postponed. Al Sadegursky, Toronto
Niagara medical officer Hirji doing a lot for schools Niagara medical officer stands by tougher measures, Jan. 21
What is not to like about medical officers of health (MOH) who order enhanced COVID-19 safety measures in schools? Apparently, Dr. Kieran Moore, chief medical officer of health of Ontario, was not happy with the approach of Niagara’s MOH.
Dr. Mustafa Hirji has committed the sin of doing more than enough and in a timely manner for in-person school and daycare resumption.
For a government known for doing too little, too late during this pandemic, Dr. Moore’s statement that he wants to ensure “a consistent and persistent approach so that parents … can expect the same level of protection and care” in Ontario, is hardly encouraging.
Would I be too cynical if I thought that this was less about parental expectations and more about politics in an election year?
If parents, school kids and babies could vote for a chief medical officer for Ontario, my money would be on Dr. Hirji getting the nod. Michele Schmidt, Toronto
Ventilation in schools needs improving now Ontario health officials silent on split over school safety measures, Jan. 25
Dr. Mustafa Hirji’s strategies for COVID-19 monitoring in Niagara region’s schools are most welcome. How could finding more information about COVID and how it affects schoolchildren in school classes be wrong?
Anyone who attended school in Ontario knows they are built to keep heat in and cold air out.
The type of ventilation required to stop the spread of the COVID-19 aerosol was not a consideration when the schools of Ontario went up.
It is good common sense to monitor carbon dioxide levels in classrooms. If the CO2 is building up in the classroom, the ventilation is failing and the COVID-19 aerosol is accumulating. More children will get sick.
How can Dr. Moore, a man of science, charged with protecting Ontario’s health, complain about information and strategies that will result in a safer environment? Douglas Clarke, Toronto
Fear of needles can be real reason for failure to get jab The vaccine hesitant’s perspective, Jan. 22
As a doctor with over 50 years’ experience, I am well aware of the fact that a large percentage of the population, at times reaching 15 per cent to 25 per cent, are phobic about receiving needles. This percentage is very close to the percentage of unvaccinated people.
Many people, especially men, are highly embarrassed to admit that they fear needles, and could very well hide behind excuses for not receiving the vaccine such as loss of individual rights or fear of dangerous side-effects.
If more people were aware of the availability of a pre-shot anaesthetic patch, more people would be protected. And, if manufacturers could develop an oral or intranasal form of the COVID-19 vaccine, more would get vaccinated.
Dr. Steven Levinson, Campbellcroft, Ont.
Neil Young sends message with his Spotify statement Spotify needs Rogan way more than it needs Young, Jan. 26
I disagree with Vinay Menon, probably for the first time. Neil Young is making a much needed point regarding anti-vaxxers, who continue to put the world in danger.
And like our premier, Spotify isn’t making up its mind either, tossing up the coin of survival by letting the door open with misinformation.
Young’s music carries strong messages, but he has taken a major extra step by pointing out to the public things that need to be done. Chris Andrews, Vaughan