Covid: the tug-of-war continues
Next to each other on Radio-Canada, a warning about the UK Covid variant which could hit us in a big wave if we’re not very careful, and a piece on businesspeople wanting a deconfined summer including a return to crowded festivals.
Kevin 23:34 on 2021-03-04 Permalink
Hahaha I’m not going anywhere or seeing anyone this summer.
Nobody knows if they are going to be the person that spends months in hospital, or keeps having relapses months after “recovering.”
dmdiem 01:04 on 2021-03-05 Permalink
I’m keeping an eye on Texas. Even though they’re 100% open now, I’m curious to see if they’re going to go back to 100% normal. A lot of business concerns seem to be under the impression that if the big bad government stopped being so oppressive, that everyone will flock to sit down dining, movie theatres and festivals. That tourists will flood the city with all their cashy money. I’m not so sure about that. I’m with Kevin. Wake me up when it’s time for the vet to tell me I’m a “good boy” then we’ll talk about going to a festival.
NotSafeYet 08:36 on 2021-03-05 Permalink
I’m with you folks. It’s simply not safe otherwise. And after the UK variant, I anticipate the Tuvalu and Timbuktu variants will wreak havoc.
In fact, going forward, I will wear multiple layers of high-thread-count face coverings, dig myself a hole in the ground and ask my neighbour to bury me in it.
There’s no risk of contracting the virus if I’m not breathing.
dhomas 09:33 on 2021-03-05 Permalink
@NotSafeYet the government agencies calling for us to be prudent have no reason to keep us isolated other than our own benefit. In fact, I’m sure the government (as we can see from other parts of it) would love nothing more than to get us out spending money.
The businesses calling for deconfinement, on the other hand, have only one motivation. I’ll give you a hint, it’s not because they care about your health or well-being. They want revenue to come in, damn the consequences.
Just thought I’d call out the obvious ad absurdum argument posted above.
Kate 10:35 on 2021-03-05 Permalink
Good sense as usual from most of my readers.
Kevin 11:10 on 2021-03-05 Permalink
@NotSafeYet
As someone with a chronic health condition I’m acutely aware there are fates worse than death.
Bizarre Covid effects include amputations, a giant tongue that no longer fits in your mouth, not being able to climb stairs 3 months after having the virus, chronic fatigue, brain fog, blood clots in your brain, etc….
mare 12:04 on 2021-03-05 Permalink
Business also want to keep their employees employed. I’m dealing with a couple of retail business that, with their current revenue, can barely afford to keep their shops open and pay their rent and employees salaries. If they have to close that not only affects their staff, but also their vendors, and the employees of their vendors etc. Those have their a reduced income, or no income at all, and will spent less money. The trickle down effect is real, albeit maybe not in the way that right wing politicians claim it will bring prosperity to the masses after they implement corporate tax cuts.
Not all business can successfully sell their wares online, or execute their services that involve meeting people face-to-face, or working in their homes. For many products you have to compete with global vendors who can charge lower prices because they make their products in countries with lower wages, rents and safety laws, to name a few. And many products you have to touch, feel and try, not possible in online shops, and small companies can’t afford to offer free returns including shipping.
Other companies or self-employed people offer services that can’t be performed without being with clients in interior situations, and involve an increased risk. (Many other employees are forced to do work in close contact without having a choice
I’m self-employed, hardly work at the moment and I’m worried. Worried about catching the virus and about my financial situation. Despite that I do support the lockdown and I’m not at ease with the current relaxation of the rules.
Is complicated.
Joey 12:14 on 2021-03-05 Permalink
I’d wager that most of us reading this blog will have received a first dose of the vaccine by mid-summer. Given how low new case numbers were last year (notwithstanding variants) and the fact that all the elderly and frontline workers will be vaccinated relatively soon, I expect the current measures to be relaxed significantly. Something like “back to normal” with masks and moderate distancing.
DeWolf 13:59 on 2021-03-05 Permalink
Given the number of vaccines that are on their way, and how quickly the vaccination of 70+ people is going, I’m optimistic. We’re on track for every adult to have received their first dose by July, which should cause a massive drop in cases and — more importantly — hospitalizations and deaths.
Look at what’s happening in the UK: since the peak of their variant-fuelled second wave, new cases are down 90% and deaths are down 80%. They had a lockdown, which obviously helped, but the vaccines are having a big effect too.
That said, I think anyone who thinks we’ll have big festivals this summer is deluding themselves. All the public health experts are saying that we will be wearing masks and keeping distance until the end of the year, at least. That’s compatible with having a beer on a terrasse or having a distanced picnic, but not packing into a music festival.
Joey 12:18 on 2021-03-06 Permalink
Interesting to note that the official in charge of the vaccination campaign in Ontario (Rick Hillier) says he expects every adult who wants one to receive their first dose before the first day of summer.