This is no time to ease up on safety

Recently, it was reported the latest number of deaths due to COVID-19 in one day totalled six in the Windsor-essex County region.

We have been warned of the fallout from this newest sub-variant, but it seemingly fell on deaf ears as people hope to block out the truths about the BA-2 Omicron variant.

I continue to constantly see people in stores with no masks or any PPE.

Scientists have predicted this newest sub-variant is much more contagious than previous ones — up to ten times as much as Delta. They did, however, feel the death toll wouldn't be as significant. Most cases reported only mild symptoms, while a few suffered severe reactions.

But what I have been seeing is a trend that should be a growing concern for all.

For the most part, I have decided to stay home, stay safe and vigilant as science doesn't lie.

I have been following this pandemic from the first week of its existence and believe this latest variant is taking a lot lives, as well.

Not only is there a higher transmission rate, but our waste water testing shows signs that up to 20 times the numbers being reported have contracted the virus.

So, many people do not even know they are infected and spreading it among the community.

I realize everyone is sick of hearing about this pandemic and wish it to be over.

But I believe nobody should be removing their masks yet. Just look at the data and then tell me to get off my soap box.

I want nothing more than for all of us to survive this moment in our history. We all need to stay vigilant if we are to come out of this. It won't happen without all of our co-operation.

How many more must die before we remove our hands from our ears and listen to the medical experts?

Jerome Berthiaume, Windsor.