EDITORIAL: Be prepared for coronavirus measures
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It’s kind of amazing that Canada has done this well for so long. It was Jan. 25 when the first case of coronavirus was reported in Canada. At that time, few other countries had any cases. We could have been one of the hardest hit.
Instead, this past week grim reports have come out from countries such as Iran, Italy and South Korea about the number of infected persons and even deaths they are experiencing. It is troubling and we wish them well.
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When the first Canadian case was reported, these countries did not have a single case. We have clearly handled this well and our health professionals deserve credit.
Although we shouldn’t kid ourselves that we will continue to be insulated from a further spread of the illness.
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Back when the first case was announced, politicians and public health officials were reluctant to call for quarantines and flight bans. But now, it’s clear that housing returnees from Wuhan at CFB Trenton and the halting of flights to China by Air Canada were wise decisions.
As health officials work to contain the spread and researchers race to develop a vaccine, Canada needs to do everything it can to slow down transmission and block new cases from entering the country.
Canadians should be prepared for these measures and the disruptions that they may bring into our lives.
If airlines or the government decide to restrict flights to more countries, Canadians should be supportive of these measures.
Likewise, if social distancing measures are formally introduced we should not resent them.
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Switzerland has banned all public events holding more than 1,000 persons. That country is not even one of the worst cases.
For those looking forward to particular rock concerts and sporting events, such rules are undeniably frustrating and may seem unfair. But we should all be willing to make such sacrifices.
A number of Canadians who have recently returned from China voluntarily chose to self-quarantine for two weeks. We should thank them for being such good neighbours and caring about their community.
Canada may never have to introduce more extreme measures, but as the saying goes: Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
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